The respiratory system has a very important function in our body, along with the other systems like the digestive and circulatory systems. Parts of this system are also the one responsible for our voices.
The respiratory system is one of the major systems of our body. It is the one responsible for the air or oxygen intake and airflow in our body. Breathing, in short. It regulates the amount of oxygen we inhale and the amount of carbon dioxide we exhale. Parts included in this system are the ones that help humans speak.
Below are some parts of the respiratory system. It also includes the description, characteristics and function of each part:
The Nostrils
The nostrils refer to one of the channels of our nose starting from the inside and on to the external and the opening part of the nose. In mammals and birds, their nostrils contain branched bones made up of cartilages called turbinate. Its function is to keep the air warm during inhalation and to remove the moisture during exhalation.
In humans, our nasal cycle is when the nostrils become engorged when swelling and then gradually shrinking to its usual size afterwards. The nostrils switch over every four hours. This means that each nostril is used at a specified timeframe. The septum separates the nostrils and sometimes it can vary, causing one’s nostrils appear larger as compared to the other.
The Nasal Cavity
The nasal cavity pertains to the large space above and behind our nose. It is also filled with air and is located in the middle part of the face. The function of the nasal cavity is to condition the air that is will be received by the respiratory tract areas and the nose. The air that passes through the nasal cavity is cooled or warmed by one degree in reference to our body temperature. It is due to the large surface area known as the conchae. The passing air is also humidified and the dust particles are removed by the vibrissae. These are the thick and short hairs that are present and found in the vestibule.
On the other hand, the cilia located at the respiratory epithelium are the ones responsible for the moving of particulates of matter to the pharynx. After reaching the pharynx it is then swallowed.
The Pharynx
The pharynx is a part of the throat and the neck. It is located behind the mouth and the nasal cavity. It is also superior to the trachea, larynx and the esophagus. The pharynx is also a part of the respiratory system and digestive system of many organisms. Air and food passes through the pharynx. This is why there is a presence of a connective tissue or a flap called the epiglottis. It closes above the trachea when we swallow food so as to prevent asphyxiation or choking.
The pharynx is also important for the vocalization of humans. When a person has oral allergy syndrome, hay fever or any other related allergies, it serves as the reacting part to allergens that produce common symptoms like itching as well as a burning sensation.
The pharynx is divided into three sections, the oropharynx, nasopharynx and the laryngopharynx.
The Larynx
The larynx is also called the voice box. It is an organ found along the neck of mammals. It is used in protecting the trachea and for sound production. The larynx has vocal folds located just below the tract of the pharynx, esophagus and trachea. It is also the one responsible for the generation of sound, where volume and pitch are manipulated. A strong and healthy set of lungs is able to produce a louder sound.
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