Respiratory System Essay

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Task 2 Unit 7 M1 Discuss for each system, how its structure helps it carry out its function. Respiratory system Nostril & Nasal cavity – The nose is a structure of the face made of cartilage, bone, muscle, and skin that protects the front part of the nasal cavity. The nasal cavity is a hollow space within the nose and skull that is lined with hairs and mucus membrane. The function of the nasal cavity is to moisturize, warm and filter air entering the body before it reaches the lungs. Hairs and mucus that line the nasal cavity help to trap dust, pollen and other environmental contaminants so these things have less chance of reaching the inner parts of the body. Air exiting the body through the nose returns moisture and heat to the nasal cavity before being exhaled into the air. Oral Cavity – The oral cavity is the first section of the mouth. There are teeth at the front, sides and back which are connected to the gums. The structures within the mouth allow us to taste, chew and swallow. The oral cavity is responsible for a variety of functions. These include oral competence, which is the ability to hold food and saliva in the mouth without dribbling. The chewing and crushing of food that is essential for digestion also occurs in the oral cavity. The mouth receives food and begins digestion by mechanically reducing the size of the solid particles and mixing them with saliva. Pharynx – The pharynx is in both the respiratory system and digestive system. The pharynx is a muscular tube, at the back of your throat when the nose and mouth join. This serves as a passageway for food and air. The tube being so muscular helps an individual with swallowing. The pharynx opens into two pathways, one that leads to the esophagus (food passage) and the other leads to the trachea (air passage) The air that is passed down ends up in the lungs. Larynx – The larynx (voice

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