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Respiratory System

Presented by Kesler Science

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Essential Questions:

Reflect on the Essential Questions before you dive in…

1. If you were quizzed today, which questions would you know the answers to already?

2. Which questions would you need to learn more about to answer confidently?

What is the main function of the respiratory system and how is it structured?
What are the main organs associated with this system?

Respiratory System

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A series of organs which take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide (primary function)

Primary organ is the lungs that carries out the exchange of gases as we breathe

Respiratory System

Aside from the lungs, what other structures do you think belong in the respiratory system? (Hint: How does air enter our body?)

Respiratory System

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Nasal Cavity

Oral Cavity

The respiratory system begins here at the nose and mouth.

The air is moistened, warmed, and filtered as it enters the body.

Nasal and Oral Cavities

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The passage that leads from the cavities of the nose and mouth to the larynx.
Both food and air pass through here, so it’s part of the respiratory and digestive systems.
Made up of 3 parts

Pharynx (Throat)

The pharynx also belongs to which other body system?

Respiratory System

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Larynx – hollow muscular organ which holds the vocal cords (voice box) which produce sound

Epiglottis – a flap of elastic cartilage attached to the larynx that closes when food passes by

Larynx and Epiglottis

Why is the epiglottis essential? (Think about how the body would be different without it.)

Respiratory System

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Think about the words pharynx, larynx, and epiglottis. Where are they located, and what is their function in the respiratory system? Which one is part of the digestive system, too?

Think About It

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Trachea - A hollow tube (windpipe) that connects the larynx to the right and left bronchus. �
Bronchus – the two major air passageways leading from the trachea to the lungs.

Trachea and Bronchus

What major organ does the bronchus lead to?

Respiratory System

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Bronchioles – the smallest air passageways coming off of the bronchi

Alveoli – the air sacs at the end of the bronchioles where the gas exchange takes place (oxygen in and carbon dioxide out)

Bronchioles and Alveoli

Alveoli are surrounded by tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Both the alveoli and capillaries play a part in the exchange of gases.

Which system works with respiratory system for the exchange of gases to take place?

Respiratory System

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A sheet of internal skeletal muscle that extends across the bottom of the thoracic cavity (heart/lungs)
Pushes up against the lungs as we exhale, and relaxes to allow lungs to expand when we inhale
Separates thoracic cavity from abdominal cavity

Diaphragm

What other body system does the diaphragm belong to?

Respiratory System

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How do different activities, such as running or swimming, affect your breathing? How does sleeping affect your breathing?

Think About It

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Influenza Virus

Diseases from viruses:

Influenza (Flu)
Pneumonia
Enterovirus (new in children)
Bronchitis�

Usually short term

Diseases of the Respiratory System

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Some diseases are chronic:

Asthma
Bronchitis (can be both)
Emphysema
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

Longer term or constant

Diseases of the Respiratory System

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Lung cancer

An uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
Associated with smoking
Can be caused by second-hand smoke
Can cause death

Diseases of the Respiratory System

Respiratory System

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Give your best answer to...�

Explain the main function of the respiratory system.�

List the main structures of the respiratory system and the role they play in the system.�

Check for Understanding

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Still have questions?

Which essential questions do you still need help to understand?