The respiratory system is a highly complex biological system that plays a crucial role in human functioning, especially breathing. Understanding the mechanisms of the respiratory system is crucial, given its numerous functions. Keep reading to learn more about this essential system.
Different Parts of the Respiratory System
- Your respiratory system starts with your mouth and nose. Air enters through the nasal cavity and the mouth; the air is pulled from outside of the body and enters the respiratory system.
- Your sinuses are an important aspect of your respiratory system as they help to regulate the air that you breathe. After the air is pulled from outside of the body, the pharynx (throat) will deliver the air to your trachea (windpipe).
- The air will then move from the trachea into the bronchial tubes and then to the lungs. The lungs will remove the oxygen from the air and move it to your bloodstream.
- While this is happening, carbon dioxide is moving from your blood to your lungs and is then exhaled out. The process of moving oxygen and carbon dioxide is called ‘gas exchange’ and is a crucial part of our respiratory system.
- Other important aspects of your respiratory system include alveoli to help with the gas exchange process, cilia to filter out dust and irritants, and your larynx (voice box) that allows you to talk.
What Can Impact the Effectiveness of Your Respiratory System?
- Irritants – irritants can cause allergies, compromising the function of your respiratory system. Common irritants such as dust and mold can cause inflammation in the airways.
- Infections – respiratory infections like the flu can lead to pneumonia and make it difficult for your respiratory system to function properly.
- Lung Disease – lung diseases can make it difficult for your respiratory system to perform as it should, and a few common lung diseases are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and bronchitis.
- Lung Damage – there are many factors that can lead to lung damage including smoking, air pollution, and exposure to harmful chemicals.
Respiratory Care
Aeratech Medical offers many different respiratory care services that can help our patients breathe better and help their respiratory system function better as well! Our home ventilator program includes personalized care to improve the patient's quality of life at home. We also provide top-quality respiratory care, oxygen therapy, and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy.
To learn more about our respiratory services, visit our website or contact us to speak with an expert. We prioritize our patient's respiratory health and understanding the respiratory system is so important!
April 27, 2023 by Aeratech Medical