Respiratory System

The respiratory system is a vital system responsible for gas exchange between the body and its environment. The organs of the respiratory system include the nose, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, and lungs.

The functions of this system include:

  • Cleaning, warming, and humidifying incoming air
  • Sense of smell
  • Production of vocal sounds
  • Loading oxygen into the blood to be utilized by cells
  • Unloading carbon dioxide from the blood as a waste product

This system includes the nose, the pharynx in the back of your throat, the trachea in the neck, and the lungs in your chest.

Figure 1: The respiratory system.