We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Anatomy

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Parts of the Respiratory System?

A. Pasbjerg
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,491
Share

There are several different parts of the respiratory system that make it possible for people to breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Air is first inhaled through the nose and mouth. It then passes through the pharynx, larynx, and trachea, and at the bottom of the trachea the air moves into one of two bronchi that lead into the lungs. There it passes through progressively smaller structures known as bronchioles and alveoli, which then pass the oxygen to the blood via nearby capillaries and also pick up carbon dioxide to be exhaled. The final part of the respiratory system is the diaphragm, a muscular structure below the lungs that helps them move air in and out.

The first parts of the respiratory system, which allow air to enter the body, are the nose and the mouth. The nose in particular is important in the breathing process for two reasons. As air passes through the nostrils, hairs there filter out any particles it may contain. It then moves to the nasal passages, where it is warmed and humidified, making it easier for the body to process.

After entering the body through the nose or mouth, air travels through several other parts of the respiratory system on its way to the lungs. It goes through the pharynx in the throat and then moves to the larynx, a structure sometimes called the voice box or vocal cords, which allow a person to speak. It then moves down the trachea, or windpipe, which splits at the bottom into two tubes — the bronchi — that lead into the lungs.

The lungs and the structures they contain are critical parts of the respiratory system, as they allow the body to absorb the oxygen in the air being breathed, and also to rid the body of the waste product carbon dioxide. After entering the lungs, the bronchi branch out into smaller passageways called bronchioles, which further branch into small, thin-walled clusters of sacs named alveoli. The alveoli are surrounded by small capillaries that pick up oxygen from them to carry to the rest of the body and also pass carbon dioxide to them for exhalation.

Though it does not directly process air, the diaphragm is another of the important parts of the respiratory system. The diaphragm is a powerful muscle that lies at the bottom of the chest cavity, separating it from the digestive organs. It contracts and expands to help draw air in and out of the lungs.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
A. Pasbjerg
By A. Pasbjerg
Andrea Pasbjerg, a WiseGeek contributor, holds an MBA from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Her business background helps her to create content that is both informative and practical, providing readers with valuable insights and strategies for success in the business world.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg
Andrea Pasbjerg, a WiseGeek contributor, holds an MBA from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Her business background helps her to create content that is both informative and practical, providing readers with valuable insights and strategies for success in the business world.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-parts-of-the-respiratory-system.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.