Respiratory System: Anatomy of the Body’s Breathing Organ

• Written by Gungun Bhatia

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Ever wondered how you breathe so effortlessly every second of the day? 

Breathing is something we often take for granted. Yet, behind every inhale and exhale,  a complex system works tirelessly to keep us alive, the respiratory system. 

In this blog, we’ll break down the respiratory system function, the organs, their parts and everything in detail. So, take a deep breath and read!

What is the Respiratory System?

The respiratory system is a group of organs and tissues that work together to aid breathing. Its main job is to get oxygen into the blood and get rid of carbon dioxide, which is a waste from our body’s processes. Lungs, nose, mouth, airways, voice box, and throat are some of the essential respiratory system organs. 

The respiratory system works like an oiled machine, helping in the exchange of gases between the air and blood and between the blood and cells in the body. Thus, the respiratory system filters, warms, and humidifies the air we breathe.

Various Parts of the Respiratory System

The respiratory system can be categorised into two types:

Upper Respiratory Tract 

The upper respiratory tract helps to bring air into the body,  which then moves towards the lungs.. It is located outside the chest cavity and adds moisture to the air we breathe. It is composed of:

• Nose - For air intake.
• Nasal cavity - Filters the air from dirt and dust.
• Sinuses - Air-filled spaces that make the skull lighter.
• Mouth - Helps to exhale CO2.
• Throat (pharynx) - Common passageway for air and food.
• Voice box (larynx) - known as the sound box.

Lower Respiratory Tract

The lower airway helps transport air from the upper airway to small sacs in the lungs called alveoli. It is located inside the chest cavity and composed of:

• Windpipe (trachea) - A long tube passing through the mid-thoracic cavity.
• Diaphragm - The main respiratory muscle that relaxes and contracts to allow air into the lungs.
• Lungs - Provide oxygen to the capillaries and help in exhaling carbon dioxide.
• Bronchial tubes/bronchi - The trachea divides into left and right bronchi.
• Bronchioles - The bronchi are further divided into finer channels known as bronchioles.
• Air sacs (alveoli) - Balloon-like structures where bronchioles terminate.

What is the Function of the Respiratory System?

If you are curious about the respiratory system's functions, keep reading:

Inhalation 

One of the respiratory system's main functions is inhaling air. The air is inhaled through the nose or mouth and travels down the length of the windpipe (also known as the trachea) and then is then transferred to the lungs via small tubes called bronchi. During inhalation, the diaphragm pulls downward and allows air into the lungs.

Exchange of Gases

Another important function of the respiratory system is the exchange of gases between the lungs and the bloodstream, and between the bloodstream and the body tissues. The tiny air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, absorb oxygen and pass it to the blood. At the same time, carbon dioxide from the blood moves into the alveoli to be exhaled.

Exhalation

Exhalation is another main function of the respiratory system. The air is exhaled back through the same path it was inhaled. During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes upward, pushing the lungs upward, allowing air to deflate.

Vibration of Vocal Cords

While speaking, the muscles in the arytenoid cartilage push the vocal cord together. The vocal cords vibrate and create sound during the exhalation process.

Olfaction or Smelling

The respiratory system also helps activate the nervous system receptors on the cilia. These signals are then sent to the olfactory bulbs via the brain.

The respiratory system works in harmony with the circulatory system. The blood carries oxygen to every cell in the body and returns with carbon dioxide to be exhaled.

How to Take Care of the Respiratory System?

The respiratory system plays an important role in keeping us healthy and fit. So, it is essential to take care of the respiratory system. Here is how you can take care of your breathing system:

• Don’t smoke - Smoking increases the chances of COPD and lung cancer. It also damages the lungs.
• Exercise Regularly - To keep your lungs fit and healthy, improve your lifestyle. Add activities like walking, swimming, or yoga to keep your heart and lungs stronger.
• Stay Hydrated - Water keeps the mucus thin and makes breathing easy. Thick mucus is more prone to lung infections.
• Breathe Clean Air - Try to stay away from pollution to keep your lungs healthy and strong.
• Improve Indoor Air Quality - Dusting regularly, using an electrical HVAC system with an in-built air filter, and proper ventilation at home are the key.
• Get Vaccinated - Flu shots and pneumonia vaccines strengthen your respiratory system. Consult a doctor for necessary vaccine shots.
• Practice  Deep Breathing  - To manage your stress and improve the functioning of the lungs, try deep breathing exercises. Inhalation and exhalation help a lot. Add yoga to the routine.
• Wash Hands Regularly - To stop the spread of upper respiratory infections, wash your hands.
• Lung Cancer Screening - If you are at high risk, you can go for this test. Consult a doctor. 

Common Respiratory System Issues and Diseases

Respiratory system issues are quite common, and children are more vulnerable to developing them.  These respiratory system infections can affect the upper or lower airways.

Upper respiratory tract infections include

• The common cold
• Swelling of the trachea - Epiglottitis
• Inflammation of the voice box - Laryngitis
• Pharyngitis or a sore throat 
• Infection of the sinuses - Sinusitis

While the lower respiratory tract infections include:

• Infection of the lungs with cough and fever - Bronchitis
• Lung infection that usually affects children - Bronchiolitis
• Chest infection 
• Pneumonia 

Various other common respiratory system diseases are contagious. They can be spread through coughing, sneezing, and touching things. Some other common respiratory system diseases include:

• Asthma - Thickness of mucus
• Bronchiectasis - Thicker bronchial walls
• COPD -  Includes bronchitis and emphysema
• Pneumonia - Inflammation in your alveoli
• Tuberculosis - Affects the lungs, kidneys, spine, or brain
• Lung cancer - Cells in the lungs change and multiply
• Cystic fibrosis - Genetic lung infections
• Pleural effusion - Fluids between the tissues

Symptoms of Respiratory Illness

As per the American Lung Association, some of the early warning signs of respiratory illness include:

• Shortness of breath after exertion
• Chronic cough for a month or longer
• Wheezing or noisy breathing
• Chronic chest pain that has lasted for a month or longer
• Chronic mucus or sputum in the lungs lasts for a month 
• Coughing up blood

>>Read More: Health Conditions Related to 5 Different Organs in Human Body

Fun Facts About the Respiratory System

After discussing the parts of the respiratory system and its function, let's unbox some interesting and funny facts about the ventilatory system:

• The average adult takes around 20,000 breaths a day.
• Your left lung is slightly smaller than the right to make room for your heart.
• Alveoli in your lungs, if spread out flat, would cover about 70 square meters—the size of a tennis court!
• A person can survive only minutes without oxygen, which shows how crucial this system is.

Summing Up!!

The respiratory system is just like a body’s air conditioning system, ensuring the circulation of fresh air and removing carbon dioxide. By understanding the respiratory system parts and how they work together, you gain deeper insight into how your body maintains balance, supports life, and adapts to changing needs. While it does its job effortlessly with dedication, it is our responsibility to take care of it. Just with some extra alertness and a healthy lifestyle, healthy breathing can be ensured. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy!

Also, keep yourself insured with a comprehensive  Health Insurance. This will cover everything from medical emergencies to hospitalisation. You will also get the dedicated plans that cover doctor consultations and nutritionist appointments.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. Health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. See policy documents for details.