{"id":52437,"date":"2019-07-11T18:16:19","date_gmt":"2019-07-11T18:16:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/?page_id=52437"},"modified":"2026-04-27T10:23:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T15:23:23","slug":"respiratory-system","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/respiratory-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Respiratory System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\t<div id=\"mmDeferVideoEncompass_nevpOrznklc\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\">\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> \n\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" id=\"videoThumbnailImage_nevpOrznklc\" data-source-videoID=\"nevpOrznklc\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" alt=\"Respiratory System Video\" height=\"464\" width=\"825\" class=\"size-full\" data-matomo-title = \"Respiratory System\">\n\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<style>img#videoThumbnailImage_nevpOrznklc:hover {cursor:pointer;} img#videoThumbnailImage_nevpOrznklc {background-size:contain;background-image:url(\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/312-respiratory-system-2.webp\");}<\/style>\n\t\t\t<script defer>\n\t\t\t  jQuery(\"img#videoThumbnailImage_nevpOrznklc\").click(function() {\n\t\t\t\tlet videoId = jQuery(this).attr(\"data-source-videoID\");\n\t\t\t\tlet helpTag = '<div id=\"mmDeferVideoYTMessage_nevpOrznklc\" style=\"display: none;position: absolute;top: -24px;width: 100%;text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;font-size: small;border-top: 1px solid #fc0;\">Having trouble? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v='+videoId+'\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to watch on YouTube.<\/a><\/span><\/div>';\n\t\t\t\tlet tag = document.createElement(\"iframe\");\n\t\t\t\ttag.id = \"yt\" + videoId;\n\t\t\t\ttag.src = \"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/\" + videoId + \"?autoplay=1&controls=1&wmode=opaque&rel=0&egm=0&iv_load_policy=3&hd=0&enablejsapi=1\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.frameborder = 0;\n\t\t\t\ttag.allow = \"autoplay; fullscreen\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.width = this.width;\n\t\t\t\ttag.height = this.height;\n\t\t\t\ttag.setAttribute(\"data-matomo-title\",\"Respiratory System\");\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_nevpOrznklc\").html(tag);\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_nevpOrznklc\").prepend(helpTag);\n\t\t\t\tsetTimeout(function(){jQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoYTMessage_nevpOrznklc\").css(\"display\", \"block\");}, 2000);\n\t\t\t  });\n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\n<p><script>\nfunction 8dI_Function() {\n  var x = document.getElementById(\"8dI\");\n  if (x.style.display === \"none\") {\n    x.style.display = \"block\";\n  } else {\n    x.style.display = \"none\";\n  }\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"moc-toc hide-on-desktop hide-on-tablet\">\n<div><button onclick=\"8dI_Function()\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/toc2.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"show or hide table of contents\"><\/button><\/p>\n<p>On this page<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<nav id=\"8dI\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Functions_of_the_Respiratory_System\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Functions of the Respiratory System<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Upper_Respiratory_Tract\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Upper Respiratory Tract<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Lower_Respiratory_Tract\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Lower Respiratory Tract<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Respiratory_Zones\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Respiratory Zones<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Ventilation\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Ventilation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion\"><input id=\"transcript\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"transcript\">Transcript<\/label>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"transcript-spoiler\">\n<p>Hey, guys! Welcome to this Mometrix video about the respiratory system.<\/p>\n<p>Every one of the systems in the body plays a critical role in our ability to function, but the respiratory system is particularly important. The respiratory system allows us to breathe. Without it, we can\u2019t take in the oxygen that helps us survive, and we can\u2019t expel the carbon dioxide that can result in dangerous health issues.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Functions_of_the_Respiratory_System\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Functions of the Respiratory System<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe respiratory system includes the nose, mouth, pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), bronchi (large airways), and lungs. Each plays a vital role in the respiratory system\u2019s five main functions.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s take a look at those five functions.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Pulmonary_Ventilation\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Pulmonary Ventilation<\/h3>\n<p>\nAir comes in through our noses and mouth and then passes through the pharynx, larynx, and trachea before entering the lungs. <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/breahting.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"509.5\" height=\"479.5\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-87196\" style=\"box-shadow: 1.5px 1.5px 3px grey\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/breahting.png 1019w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/breahting-300x282.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/breahting-768x723.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1019px) 100vw, 1019px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When we exhale, the air goes back out of our bodies. By the way, the trachea, or windpipe, connects the pharynx and larynx to our lungs.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"External_Respiration\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>External Respiration<\/h3>\n<p>\nWhen the respiratory system exchanges gases, that\u2019s called external respiration. When air goes into the body, it supplies the lungs with oxygen. As that oxygen comes in, the lungs expel carbon dioxide. A little later, we\u2019ll talk more about why it\u2019s so important that the body regulates carbon dioxide.<\/p>\n<p>That leads us to our third function, called internal respiration.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Internal_Respiration\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Internal Respiration<\/h3>\n<p>\nInternal respiration exchanges gases between the bloodstream and tissues. The bloodstream carries oxygen to cells and expels carbon dioxide.<\/p>\n<p>The respiratory system also helps us with sound, and that\u2019s the fourth function on our list. <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Sound\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Sound<\/h3>\n<p>\nWhen we exhale, air goes from our lungs to the larynx, more commonly known as the voice box. When air moves through the vocal cords they vibrate, and that creates sound. <\/p>\n<p>The respiratory system helps us smell, and that\u2019s the fifth and last function.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Smell\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Smell<\/h3>\n<p>\nEver wonder why you can\u2019t smell anything when you have a clogged nose? It\u2019s because little fibers in your nose, the olfactory fibers, have been blocked by mucus or some other substance.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/olfactory-fibers.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"553.5\" height=\"301\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-87199\" style=\"box-shadow: 1.5px 1.5px 3px grey\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/olfactory-fibers.png 1107w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/olfactory-fibers-300x163.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/olfactory-fibers-1024x557.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/olfactory-fibers-768x418.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1107px) 100vw, 1107px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>So those are the respiratory system\u2019s five main functions. But let\u2019s talk a little more about carbon dioxide.<\/p>\n<p>The respiratory system does a delicate push and pull by pulling in oxygen and pushing out carbon dioxide. Sometimes, the body\u2019s internal regulation doesn\u2019t work correctly, resulting in a condition called hypercapnia. Hypercapnia can cause a host of health issues, including fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. In the most severe cases, hypercapnia can cause seizures, palpitations, and panic attacks.<\/p>\n<p>So that\u2019s the respiratory system\u2019s five main functions. Let\u2019s take a more detailed looked at the upper and lower respiratory tracts.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Upper_Respiratory_Tract\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Upper Respiratory Tract<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe upper respiratory tract contains five main structures:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Nose<\/li>\n<li>Nasal cavity<\/li>\n<li>Mouth<\/li>\n<li>Pharynx<\/li>\n<li>Larynx<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/face.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"817\" height=\"773\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-87202\" style=\"box-shadow: 1.5px 1.5px 3px grey\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/face.jpg 817w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/face-300x284.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/face-768x727.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 817px) 100vw, 817px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Nose\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Nose<\/h3>\n<p>\nThe nose knows. It really does. The nose and its nasal cavity govern our sense of smell. With it, humans can differentiate between 5,000 and 10,000 different scents. The nose has an internal and external structure. The external structure contains the root, which is located between the eyebrows; the bridge, which connects the root to the rest of the nose; and the dorsum nasi, which extends from the root to the tip of the nose. <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/nasal-cavity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"571\" height=\"295\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-87205\" style=\"box-shadow: 1.5px 1.5px 3px grey\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/nasal-cavity.jpg 1142w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/nasal-cavity-300x155.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/nasal-cavity-1024x529.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/nasal-cavity-768x397.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 571px) 100vw, 571px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The external nose also contains the frontal, nasal, and maxillary bones, as well as the septal and major alar cartilages. <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Nasal_Cavity\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Nasal Cavity<\/h3>\n<p>\nWe know the internal nose as the nasal cavity. It\u2019s lined with hairs and a mucous membrane that acts as a human air filter. The cavity warms, moisturizes, and filters air that enters the body before it reaches the lungs. <\/p>\n<p>But that\u2019s not all. The nose also has an intricate sinus system. <strong>Sinuses<\/strong> produce mucus to moisturize the inside nose and protect us from dirt, dust, and other organisms.<\/p>\n<p>There are three different sinuses. <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/ostium-e1627488171578.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"546\" height=\"532\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-87208\" style=\"box-shadow: 1.5px 1.5px 3px grey\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/ostium-e1627488171578.png 819w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/ostium-e1627488171578-300x292.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/ostium-e1627488171578-768x748.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 546px) 100vw, 546px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There are two <strong>maxillary sinuses<\/strong> located on both sides of the nose just below the cheeks. They are collectively the largest sinus and the one that can cause some pain. The maxillary sinus drains into the nose through a small hole called the ostium. When the ostia become clogged, that can result in sinusitis, or a sinus infection. The <strong>ethmoid sinus<\/strong> is located between the nose and eyes and the frontal sinus is located above each <a class=\"ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/the-eye\/\">eye<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For most of you, the mouth is the easiest structure to remember because we use it all the time. We ingest food through our mouth, which is also called the oral cavity. Small glands and three pairs of salivary glands keep the mouth moist. We need that moisture to soften and swallow food. There are also two membranes in the mouth: the gums and the tongue. The gums support our teeth, and the tongue contains our taste buds.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Pharynx\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Pharynx<\/h3>\n<p>\nNow let\u2019s move on to the pharynx. The pharynx has three separate sections: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, and the hypopharynx. <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/the-pharynx.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"570.5\" height=\"295\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-87211\" style=\"box-shadow: 1.5px 1.5px 3px grey\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/the-pharynx.png 1141w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/the-pharynx-300x155.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/the-pharynx-1024x530.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/the-pharynx-768x397.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1141px) 100vw, 1141px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>nasopharynx<\/strong>, located above the soft palate, is the mechanism that lets you breathe through your nose. The <strong>oropharynx<\/strong> connects the nose and the back of the mouth to the esophagus. The <strong>hypopharynx<\/strong> is the passageway for food. Food goes from the mouth, through the hypopharynx and esophagus, and then into the stomach.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Larynx\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Larynx<\/h3>\n<p>\nLet\u2019s talk about the larynx, the last part of the upper respiratory tract we\u2019ll discuss. We know the larynx as the voice box because without it, we wouldn\u2019t be able to talk. But the larynx does much more. The larynx allows air to pass through the respiratory tract, but it also protects the trachea by ensuring food and drink don\u2019t block the airway. The larynx itself has three sections: the supraglottis, glottis, and subglottis. <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/the-larynx.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"536.32\" height=\"284.8\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-87214\" style=\"box-shadow: 1.5px 1.5px 3px grey\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/the-larynx.png 1676w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/the-larynx-300x159.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/the-larynx-1024x544.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/the-larynx-768x408.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/the-larynx-1536x816.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1676px) 100vw, 1676px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A network of nine cartilages connected by muscles and ligaments form the larynx.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s the upper respiratory tract. Let\u2019s take a look at the lower respiratory tract.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Lower_Respiratory_Tract\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Lower Respiratory Tract<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe lower respiratory tract also has four main components:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Trachea<\/li>\n<li>Lungs<\/li>\n<li>Bronchi<\/li>\n<li>Diaphragm<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/lower-resp-tract.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"775.2\" height=\"729.6\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-87220\" style=\"box-shadow: 1.5px 1.5px 3px grey\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/lower-resp-tract.png 969w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/lower-resp-tract-300x282.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/lower-resp-tract-768x723.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 969px) 100vw, 969px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s start with the trachea. <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Trachea\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Trachea<\/h3>\n<p>\nThe trachea is the main airway to the lungs and is more commonly referred to as the windpipe. The trachea connects the larynx to the left and right bronchi in the lungs. <\/p>\n<p>We need our lungs to pull in air and breathe. We talked earlier about the body\u2019s need to pull in oxygen and push out carbon dioxide, and that\u2019s what our lungs do for us. Our lungs are an indispensable part of our breathing system. The lungs connect to the trachea via the left and right bronchi. They\u2019re protected by the sternum, rib cage, and vertebrae.<\/p>\n<p>The process of perfusion helps fluid pass to an organ or tissue. The alveoli produce a fluid called surfactant, which helps prevent the lungs from collapsing. Tidal volume represents the normal volume of air that moves in and out of the body when we inhale and exhale.<\/p>\n<p>The lungs have an intricate system of members and functions that help them stay healthy and in proper working order. The pleura, a membrane on the inside and the outside of the lungs, secretes a fluid that lets the lungs move against the rib cage when we breathe.  <\/p>\n<p>The right lung has three lobes and the left lung has two. That\u2019s because the left lung must make room for the heart.<\/p>\n<p>The lobes all have the same function, as they all bring oxygen into and remove carbon dioxide from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/heart-blood-flow\/\">bloodstream<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s move on to the bronchi. <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Bronchi\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Bronchi<\/h3>\n<p>\nThere\u2019s a tube in each lung called a bronchus that connects to the trachea. There are two main bronchi that are extensions of the trachea that help push air to and from the lungs.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/trachea-and-bronchus.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"521.28\" height=\"286.08\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-87241\" style=\"box-shadow: 1.5px 1.5px 3px grey\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/trachea-and-bronchus.png 1629w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/trachea-and-bronchus-300x165.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/trachea-and-bronchus-1024x562.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/trachea-and-bronchus-768x421.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/trachea-and-bronchus-1536x843.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1629px) 100vw, 1629px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The diaphragm is the primary muscle used in breathing, contracting in and out as you breathe. The diaphragm is located below the heart and lungs. It has three main openings and they each provide a critical function. That\u2019s because these openings let other structures pass between the chest and the abdomen. <\/p>\n<p>The esophageal opening provides a passageway for the esophagus and vagus nerve. The aortic opening allows the aorta and thoracic duct to pass through. The aorta transports blood from the heart and is the body\u2019s main artery, while the thoracic duct is the lymphatic system\u2019s main vessel.<\/p>\n<p>Now that we understand the upper and lower respiratory tract, let\u2019s take a look at the respiratory system zones.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Respiratory_Zones\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Respiratory Zones<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe respiratory system has a conducting and a respiratory zone.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Conducting_Zone\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Conducting Zone<\/h3>\n<p>\nThe conducting zone provides a continuous passageway for incoming and outgoing air to travel. The conducting zone consists of the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/resp-zone-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"524.4\" height=\"541.8\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-87244\" style=\"box-shadow: 1.5px 1.5px 3px grey\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/resp-zone-1.png 874w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/resp-zone-1-290x300.png 290w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/resp-zone-1-768x793.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 874px) 100vw, 874px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to remember that all structures in the conducting zone only deal with air.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Respiratory_Zone\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Respiratory Zone<\/h3>\n<p>\nWe talked about the gas exchange systems earlier, and that\u2019s where the respiratory zone comes in. The respiratory zone is only involved in oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange and consists of the bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli. <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/respiratory-zone.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"784\" height=\"508\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-87247\" style=\"box-shadow: 1.5px 1.5px 3px grey\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/respiratory-zone.png 1568w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/respiratory-zone-300x194.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/respiratory-zone-1024x664.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/respiratory-zone-768x498.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/respiratory-zone-1536x995.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The alveoli are very small air sacs in the site of the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The bronchi are the main passageways attached to the lungs, and the bronchiole connects the bronchi to the alveoli. Now that we understand the respiratory zone, let\u2019s talk more about ventilation.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Ventilation\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Ventilation<\/h2>\n<p>\nVentilation is the process by which air moves in and out of the body. We breathe in, that\u2019s inhaling. We breathe out, that\u2019s exhaling. Inhaling and exhaling each has opposite movements. Inhale, and the diaphragm moves downward. Exhale, and the diaphragm moves up. When you inhale, the ribs push out and air fills the lungs. Exhale, and the ribs relax as air comes out of the lungs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Hyperventilation<\/strong> and <strong>hypoventilation<\/strong> can occur while breathing, and both can make you sick. Hyperventilation happens when you breathe faster than normal. When you breathe fast, you take in too much oxygen in the blood, and that can make you feel faint or dizzy. During hypoventilation, you\u2019re breathing too slowly, and that results in too much carbon dioxide entering the bloodstream. That can result in fatigue, headaches, and other illnesses. <\/p>\n<p>So that\u2019s our overview of the respiratory system, the part of our body that helps us breathe while expelling carbon dioxide from our system. I hope this overview was helpful!<\/p>\n<p>See you guys next time!<\/p>\n<ul class=\"citelist\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visiblebody.com\/learn\/respiratory\/5-functions-of-respiratory-system\"target=\"_blank\">\u201c5 Functions of Respiratory System.\u201d Visiblebody.com. 2018<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ivyroses.com\/HumanBody\/Respiratory\/Respiratory_Internal_Respiration.php\"target=\"_blank\">\u201cInternal Respiration.\u201d n.d.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/hypercapnia-symptoms-treatment-914862\"target=\"_blank\">Deborah Leader. 2020. \u201cHealth Problems Can Cause Excess Carbon Dioxide Blood Levels.\u201d Verywell Health<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/elementsofmorphology.nih.gov\/anatomy-nose.shtml\"target=\"_blank\">\u201cOnline Research Resources Developed at NHGRI.\u201d n.d.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.innerbody.com\/anatomy\/respiratory\"target=\"_blank\">Taylor, Tim. 2020. \u201cRespiratory System | Interactive Anatomy Guide.\u201d InnerBody<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/programs\/sinus-center\/conditions.html\"target=\"_blank\">\u201cConditions &#038; Treatments | Cedars-Sinai.\u201d 2019<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/training.seer.cancer.gov\/anatomy\/respiratory\/passages\/larynx.html\"target=\"_blank\"> \u201cLarynx &#038; Trachea | SEER Training.\u201d Cancer.gov. 2019<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/study.com\/academy\/lesson\/bronchi-anatomy-function-definition.html\"target=\"_blank\">\u201cBronchi: Anatomy, Function &#038; Definition &#8211; Video &#038; Lesson Transcript | Study.com.\u201d 2019<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/mouth-anatomy\"target=\"_blank\">\u201cMouth | Anatomy.\u201d In Encyclop\u00e6dia Britannica<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"home-buttons\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/biology\/\">Return to Biology Videos<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Return to Biology Videos<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":91438,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-52437","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"page_category-anatomy-and-physiology-videos","7":"page_type-video","8":"subject_matter-science"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52437","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52437"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52437\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":292400,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52437\/revisions\/292400"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/91438"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52437"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}