Overview
The respiratory system is vital for the human body as it allows carbon dioxide to leave and oxygen to enter the circulating blood. The selected system is located in the thorax, starting from the mouth and nose and continuing through the lungs and airways (Dezube, 2023). Different organs and structures are included in the respiratory system, together performing numerous functions.
Firstly, the airways deliver air to the lungs, and the nose and mouth pull it into the respiratory system. The sinuses regulate the humidity and temperature of the inhaled air, and to the trachea, the air is delivered by a tube called the pharynx (Dezube, 2023). Bronchial tubes are connected to the lungs, allowing air into them.
Anatomy
Further, in the lungs, the main-stem bronchus is divided into smaller bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. Carbon dioxide and oxygen are moved through capillaries in the alveoli walls. The right lung contains three lobes, and the left has two lobes, each surrounded and separated by pleura (Dezube, 2023).
The respiratory system includes muscles and bones, such as the diaphragm and ribs (Dezube, 2023). Some other components of the systems include the voice box called the larynx, tiny hairs known as cilia, and the epiglottis, a tissue located in the trachea. The key cell types in the respiratory system are “ciliated cells, mucus-producing goblet cells, and basal cells” (Ruysseveldt et al., 2021, para. 2).
Physiological Functions
It is essential to discuss the primary physiological functions of the respiratory system. As mentioned previously, the basic responsibility of the system and its organs is to move air through the body. Thus, air is pulled through one’s mouth or nose into the airways as the diaphragm contracts (American Lung Association, 2022). Then, after moving into the lungs and traveling through the smaller passages of bronchioles, the air fills the alveoli, and the exchange of gases occurs. Oxygen gets into the capillaries to be captured and transported by the red blood cells, and the carbon dioxide is removed through the lungs.
Furthermore, the respiratory system includes the work of the larynx, the “hollow organ that allows you to talk and make sounds when air moves in and out” (Cleveland Clinic, 2020, para. 3). The olfactory system, which is included in the discussed one, performs the function of smelling. The system also protects the airways from irritants and harmful substances through swallowing, sneezing, filtering, and coughing. Lastly, it moisturizes and warms the inhaled air to match the required temperature and humidity levels.
Respiratory and Immune Systems Interaction
Further, it is essential to pay special attention to the interactions between the respiratory and immune systems and explore whether their relationship is significant. The lymphatic system also plays a great role in this connection, so its contribution will also be noticed. According to Greeley (2017), “immunity in the respiratory system is similar to that of other organ systems […] working in concert to recognize and eliminate foreign substances from the respiratory tract while maintaining homeostasis and normal function” (p. 419). Therefore, the two systems are dependent on each other.
To be more precise, some parts of the respiratory tract come into contact with the external environment. This increases the likelihood of numerous toxins, gases, pathogens, and particulates getting into the human body and harming the work of other systems. As stated by Greeley (2017), the effective protection of the tracheobronchial tree, larynx, and the nose’s mucosal surfaces allows acquired and innate immunity to further provide the proper functioning of the lungs. The lymph system maintains an adequate balance of fluids and helps immune cells be transported in case of damage to lung tissue by removing excess fluids (Greeley, 2017). This mutual work of the immune and respiratory systems is essential to keeping the body healthy and avoiding conditions like asthma.
Diseases and Conditions
Several diseases and conditions can affect the respiratory system and its proper functioning. Firstly, if one inhales specific proteins, such as pollen, mold, or dust, they can develop allergies. Anyone is at risk of getting this condition, but factors like additional diseases, genetics, and season can increase the likelihood (Cleveland Clinic, 2020). These proteins cause inflammation in the airways and difficulty breathing.
Asthma is a long-term condition that directly affects the respiratory system. In people with asthma, the airways sometimes become narrowed and inflamed, challenging the inhaling and exhaling processes and making breathing harder (Cleveland Clinic, 2020). Asthma also results in disturbed gas exchange, extra mucus production, and muscle tightening. Severe respiratory infections, genetics, allergic conditions, or exposure to dust and chemicals may cause this disease.
References
Access Virtual Learning. (n.d.). Respiratory system function. Web.
American Lung Association. (2022). How lungs work. Web.
Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Respiratory system. Web.
Dezube, R. (2023). Overview of the respiratory system. Merck Manual. Web.
Greeley, M. A. (2017). Immunopathology of the respiratory system. Immunopathology in Toxicology and Drug Development, 2, 419–453. Web.
Inner Body. (n.d.). The respiratory system. Web.
Ruysseveldt, E., Martens, K., & Steelant, B. (2021). Airway basal cells, protectors of epithelial walls in health and respiratory diseases. Frontiers in Allergy, 88. Web.