Structure of the Human Respiratory System

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The human respiratory system is composed of the nasal passage, the pharynx, larynx, the trachea, bronchi and lungs. It is responsible for the process of respiration that is vital to the survival of living beings. Respiration is the process of obtaining and using oxygen, while eliminating carbon dioxide. It is the process by which human beings take in the oxygen from their environment and give out the carbon dioxide that is produced as a result of chemical reactions within the cells. The specialized system that brings about this critical process of respiration in human beings is known as the human respiratory system. Let us look at the structure of this important system of the human body. The respiratory system in human beings can be divided into the upper respiratory tract that consists of the nasal passages, pharynx and the larynx and the lower respiratory tract that is composed of the trachea, the primary bronchi and the lungs. Nasal passages: Air entering from the nostrils is led to the nasal passages. The nasal cavity that is located behind the nose comprises the nasal passages that form an important part of the respiratory system in human beings. The nasal cavity is responsible for conditioning the air that is received by the nose. The process of conditioning involves warming or cooling the air received by the nose, removing dust particles from it and also moistening it, before it enters the pharynx. Pharynx: It is located behind the nasal cavity and above the larynx. It is also a part of the digestive system of the human body. Food as well as air passes through the pharynx. Larynx: It is associated with the production of sound. It consists of two pairs of membranes. Air causes the vocal cords to vibrate, thus producing sound. The larynx is situated in the neck of mammals and plays a vital role in the protection of the trachea. Trachea: The term
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