Parts of the Human Respiratory System
The human respiratory system is an integrated system of organs and other components, working together to circulate air throughout the body. The respiratory system is divided into two sections, upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract. The main parts of the human respiratory system are the airways, lungs and the diaphragm.
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Upper Respiratory Tract
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The upper respiratory tract consists of the nasal cavity, oral cavity, nasopharynx (nasal passageway), oropharynx (passageway for food and air), epiglottis (folds over the vocal cord opening to protect when swallowing) , laryngopharynx (passageway for food and air), vocal cord and esophagus (passageway between the throat and stomach).
Lower Respiratory Tract
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The lower respiratory tract includes the trachea (windpipe), diaphragm, left and right bronchus (large air passages of the lungs), bronchioles (branches of air tubes), lungs and alveoli (tiny air sacs).
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Airways
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The pipes that transport air to the lungs and carbon dioxide away from the lungs are called airways. Airways include the nose, nasal cavities, mouth, trachea (windpipe), larynx (voice box) and bronchial tubes.
Lungs
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The lungs have five main sections called lobes. The right lung has three lobes; however, the left lung is a little smaller and has only two lobes.
Diaphragm
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The diaphragm is located below the lungs and separates the abdominal cavity from the chest cavity. The diaphragm is the main muscle used for breathing.
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