Respiratory System - Full Paper

8/13/2019 Respiratory System - Full Paper

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Understanding Respiratory SystemAn Initial Outlook

Biological Stature of Respiratory System

Illustration 1: Biological Structure of Human Respiratory System

Based on the illustration 1, we found out the unique structure of human respiratory system.

This unique structure has enabled human to experience exchange of oxygen and carbon

dioxide gas, to smell as well as to produce voice. This is how the respiratory system functions

in human life. Indeed, the unique physique of respiratory system can be easily divided into

two parts namely; upper respiratory and lower respiratory systems (Balastanga, N. & Soames,

R., 2012). The upper respiratory system consists of nose and pharynx. The lower part of

respiratory system on the other hands consists of larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs. These

biological components have enabled human to breathe the fresh air from their surroundings.

They also performed specific function as required by human body particularly in respiration

process.


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The nature of respiratory system and its function

It is not an exaggeration to state that human body is made up of trillions of living cells. Each

of these requires energy especially to carry out the various tasks and functions to keep our

bodies alive. Indeed, human circulatory system carries food from digestive system to all

living cells in human body. Accordingly, the cells need oxygen gas to release the energy from

food. This unique process is called respiration. According to Thurnell (2011), the respiratory

process is essential for all living existences on earth. Living human, has a complex system of

respiration. They get their oxygen from the air that surrounds our planet. The air is made up

of 78 per cent nitrogen and 21 per cent oxygen. The other 1 per cent includes argon, carbon

dioxide, water vapour, and some other gases in very small amounts (Shier, D.; Butler, J. &

Lewis, R., 2012). The air is breathed in and goes to lungs. The exchange process of oxygen

has eventually a waste product called carbon dioxide.

In the context of human respiratory system, air is typically entered the body through

the nostrils of the nose (see illustration 1). It is found that in the process, small hairs just

inside the nostrils may stop some of the unwanted dust and dirt particles found in the air.

Then, the air moves from the nostrils into the two nasal cavities (Marrieb, N., 1995). It is

interesting to find out that the air is heated by warm blood flowing through blood vessels in

the nasal cavities. This is similar to car radiator. Air could be brought into the body also via

the mouth. However, there are fewer opportunities for dust and dirt particles to be removed.

Apart from breathing, nose also produces liquid called mucus. According to the

human biological law, this mucus is replaced at every 20 minutes. Certainly it has two main

roles. First and foremost, the presence of mucus will add some moisture and to prevent our

respiratory system from drying out. Secondly, mucus could catch unwanted particles and

bacteria from the air.


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Illustration 2: The oesophagus position in respiratory system

In addition to human respiratory system, the stomach is also essential as it releases

digestive juices. These juices have contained hydrochloric acid (Thurnell, 2011; Marrieb, N.,

1995). Indeed, it can be used to destroy the foreign material. Sometimes, we may experience

irritation. It is due to the particles caught in the mucus of the nasal cavities. It causes

sneezing. Indirectly, it is another way to release unwanted particles from the body.

In a nutshell, the air travels into the throat from the nose. At this juncture, the throat

leads to two separate ways namely oesophagus and trachea. Oesophagus is the tube leading to

the stomach (see illustration 2). The trachea is a tube leading to the lungs. We may also find

that at the top of the trachea, there is a small flap called the epiglottis. The epiglottis covers

the opening to the trachea. It will not allow food to travel into the trachea when we swallow.

While we are breathing, this flap will open. It allows the air to enter the trachea and the whole

respiratory system in human body.


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A good respiratory system of Human body

In gaining a healthy respiratory system, we are advised to exercise regularly and maintain

healthy lifestyle. Indeed, exercising activities will help us to build up muscle.

Firstly, in specific reference to respiratory system, it is noticeable the leading cause of

lung cancer is due to smoking habit (Palastanga, N. & Soames, R., 2012; Marrieb, N., 1995).

Whether we realize or not, smoking habit causes many problems to human body. The

chemicals inside cigarettes do damage to the lungs and the whole respiratory system (Shier,

D.; Butler, J. & Lewis, R., 2012). In particular the nicotine in cigarettes is a chemical that is

addictive to human body. This addictivenesshas made it very difficult for people to stop

smoking habit. Their bodies have immuned to that chemical.

Illustration 3: Smoking habit affected human respiratory system

As shown in the illustration 3, the smoking habit could also expose human body to

carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide is dangerous as it could replace oxygen in the blood.

Indeed, the haemoglobin in the blood is attracted more to carbon monoxide than oxygen

(Thurnell, J., 1995). Correspondingly, fewer oxygen levels are transported to the cells and

tissues in human body. This is absolutely harmful. Additionally, tar is also identified as

another damaging substance found in cigarette. This chemical enters the lungs in a vapour


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form. It then liquefies inside the lungs and could block passageways and lead to various

cardiovascular problems (see illustration 4). The impact of tar to lungs is absolutely

damaging.

Illustration 4: The effect of tar chemical to lungs

However, there is a silver lining for those who intend to stop smoking. It is proven as

almost million people successfully stop smoking. When they stop, a healing process could

improve the health of lungs over the years. Indeed, it is the health of our body as well as the

living cells that matter most.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the respiratory system is essential to human living. The oxygen and carbon

dioxide exchanging process occur in this system. Indeed, the system is divided into two parts;

upper and lower, as both played their specific functions. As a matter of fact, the system

functions as a mechanism of gas exchange, smelling tool, as a tool for screening the air from

unwanted particle and dust, and essential in vocal or voice projection. Therefore, in

maintaining a sound health of our respiratory system, it is essential for us to maintain a

healthy life style and avoid the activities that could harm this system. Smoking habit, for


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instance, could harm our respiratory system which eventually leads to many other internal

diseases. Practising a healthy life style is the only option in order to maintain our good body.

Indeed, it has certainly fulfilled the demand of human musculoskeletal movement.

References

Marieb, Elaine N. (1995).Human anatomy andphysiology (6thed.). Pearson: Boston

Palastanga, N & Soames, R. (2012). Anatomy and human movement: structure and function

(6thed.). Churchill Livingstone: London

Shier, D; Butler, J & Lewis, R. (2012).Hole

s human anatomy and physiology (11

th

ed.).McGraw Hill: New York

Thurnell, J. (2011).Kinesiology. Lifework potential limited: London

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