Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Respiratory Organ In Human Being

By Don Bethune

The respiratory, or pulmonary, system has the function to deliver oxygen to the blood, and remove carbon dioxide on the way out. Within human beings, the respiratory system is well developed and very complex. The respiratory tract consists of respiratory organs that all work together in an intricate system. The organs are:

The Nasal Cavity: A part of our nose, the nasal cavity brings in air through the external nostrils, and then sends it to the pharynx with our internal nostrils. The nasal cavity also serves the function of sifting out dust particles with mucus and the cilia as a barrier.

The Pharynx: The pharynx is the next stop for air after the nasal cavity. The glottis is the mechanism by which the pharynx opens into the larynx or voice box. The glottis also serves another important purpose. Because the digestive and respiratory tract both share the pharynx, the glottis is covered by the leaf like cartilage epiglottis when we swallow food, which prevents food getting into the respiratory system.

The Larynx: This is a cartilagious, box-like structure that is situated at the tracheal opening. The larynx will move up or down when we swallow to allow the passage of air or food, safely. It also is responsible for human speech, as it contains two vocal chords that vibrate to produce sound.

The Trachea: The trachea is the next organ through which air flows. This is a tube that is eleven centimeters in length with a twenty five centimeter diameter. In order to keep the trachea opened, there is an incomplete C-shaped cartiligious ring within the trachea wall.

Bronchi and Bronchioles:- At its lower end, the trachea splits into two primary bronchi.The right bronchus is divided in three bronchi which extend seperatly into the three lobies of right lung.Similarly the left bronchi is divided into two bronchi penetrating into the two lobies of left lung.

The Lungs. Located in the thoracic cavity, there are two lungs, which is the last stop for air within the respiratory tract. Our lungs are a dark colored, spongy bag like structure that is incredibly elastic, allowing for them to expand and contact with each breath. The lungs rest on a sheet of muscle called the diaphragm. The diaphragm is one of the structures that surrounds the thoracic cavity, like the vertebral column and the sternum. The diaphragm forms the floor of the thoracic.

The right lung is divided into three lobies whereas the left lung has two lobies.The lungs are sorrounded by a narrow shape called pleural cavaty.There are two membranes around pleural cavaty.These membrane secret an oily fluid called pleural fluid.Pleural cavity is filled with pleural fluid. - 15485

About the Author: