Cells Systems The Respiratory System Got your nose

Cells & Systems The Respiratory System Got your nose!

The System �So what is the respiratory system for? �It is the system responsible for supplying your blood with oxygen (inhale) and removing the carbon dioxide (exhale) �Your blowing my mind Hebert!

Breathing �The process of moving air into, and out of, your lungs

Breathing �The process of moving air into, and out of, your lungs �To do this you require two special muscles: �The Diaphragm �Rib Muscles

The Inhale �Inhale Air Into Lungs �Diaphragm & rib Muscles contract and 2 things happen … �Ribs go up �Diaphragm goes down �This increases the size of your chest and lungs �Pulls air into your lungs �Breathing Mechanics

The Exhale � Exhale Air out of lungs � Diaphragm & ribs relax and 2 things happen … �Ribs go down �Diaphragm goes up � This decreases the size of chest and lungs � Forces air out of lungs � Mini Demonstration Time �Proof we exhale CO 2

The Structures �Air enters your respiratory system via … �The Nose �The Mouth �The Trachea �The Bronchi �The Lungs

Gas Exchange Process �Your cells need oxygen to release energy from nutrients (i. e. : glucose … “sugar”) �They also need to get rid of CO 2 (Carbon Dioxide) �Why? �Because CO 2 is toxic to the body �Why is CO 2 toxic? �Research quick!

Gas Exchange Process Cont … � Oxygen-rich air comes into the lungs through a series of “tube-like” pathways �These are known as bronchi � The bronchi are lined with a very tough connective tissue �Why? � It prevents the walls of the bronchi from collapsing due to the pressures � The bronchi narrow as they go into bronchioles � Gas Exchange

Gas Exchange Process Cont … �At the end of the bronchioles are about 600 000 (that’s right 600 million) air filled sacs called alveoli �These alveoli (air sacs) are surrounded by capillaries (blood) �Both the alveoli & the capillaries are made of specialized epithelial cells �Only 1 cell layer thick! �Why is that important?

Alveoli – The Real Thing

Gas Exchange Process Cont … �Diffusion! �Creates a short distance between air & blood � Air inside the alveoli has… �A high concentration of Oxygen (O) �A low concentration of Carbon Dioxide (CO 2) �Naturally oxygen diffuses from the alveoli to the capillaries & carbon dioxide back the other direction �Pressure and concentration differences

Gas Exchange Process Cont … �It only takes one second for your blood to travel through your lungs and pick up all the oxygen it is capable of holding �So … if that is the case: �Why is it more difficult to breath in higher altitudes … for example like mountain climbing?