The primary funcion of the respiratory system is to supply the blood with oxygen from the air that is breathed in through our lungs. Pulmonary ventialtion (breathing) is a process that all of us do without even thinking about it of which is subsequently controled by the nerve cells situated within the medulla of the brain.
As the air is drawn in through pulmonary ventilation through the nase cavity it is warmed, moistened and cleaned by the paranasal sinuses. The air then passes through the pharynx then into the respiratory tract. This is the passageway that facilitates air into the bronchi within the lungs then sub divides into smaller passageways which are called secondary bronchi. The bronchi keep dividing to create an impressive tree with smaller brances that ends in clusters of tiny air sacs called alveoli. These series of air passages are lined by membranes that contain special cells that produce mucus which keep the lining moist as well as trapping dirt and dust.
Within our respiratory system there are structures which enable air to move in and out of the lungs. The diaphragm, ribcage and intercostal muscles form this structure for the efficient delivery of oxygen for life sustaining activities. The diaphragm is the most important muscle of the ventilation structure, made up of a large sheet of skeletal muscle which works with the intercostal muscles by contracting and relaxing forcing air in and out of the lungs.
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