Respiratory System: Anatomy
Overview
The human respiratory system is responsible for the exchange of gases, taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. This system works closely with the circulatory system to deliver oxygen to the body’s cells. The respiratory system consists of upper and lower respiratory system structures. Most of the structures are responsible for the airflow into the lungs. Within the lungs, the alveoli, which are surrounded by an extensive network of capillaries, are the structures that perform the vital function of gas exchange.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, students will be able to:
- describe the anatomical structures of the upper and lower respiratory systems, including the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, and
- explain their respective functions.
Video Review
Watch the video: Respiratory System (6 minutes)
Activities
Flash Cards
Anatomy
Physiology
Question Sets
Major Respiratory System Organs
Respiratory Epithelium
Regions of the Pharynx
Respiratory Membrane and Alveoli
Chapter Attributions
This chapter by Elisabeth Kehrli and Anil Kapoor is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Media Attributions
Respiratory System by Amoeba Sisters is licensed under the Standard YouTube license.
Interactive Activity Attributions
The interactive activities in this chapter are from Interactive Activities for Human Anatomy and Physiology by Open Education Lab, Ontario Tech University, and are licensed under a CC BY NC SA 4.0 license.
