What Does the Respiratory System Do for Other Systems in the Human Body?
The respiratory system is composed of the nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs. Its primary function is to absorb oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide, but that's not all it does. All of the systems of the body work together to keep you healthy. The respiratory system effects many of the body's other systems and processes in a number of ways.
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Circulatory System
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The lungs are where the body is able to engage in gas exchange between the blood and the air. The circulatory system sends deoxygenated blood to the lungs, where it is again oxygenated and returned to the heart, so it can be pumped to tissues and organs throughout body.
Nervous System
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Various sensors and receptors in the lungs are sensitive to inflation, deflation, and chemical stimulation, and can activate the nervous system. Afferent signals sent from the respiratory system can initiate neurally-controlled responses such as a cough reflex or changes in the breathing pattern.
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Lymphatic
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The lymph system helps to maintain the fluid balance in the lungs and plays an important role in the specific defenses of the immune system. Injury or disease to lung tissues activate this system into removing excess fluid and providing a route of transportation for immune cells.
Immune
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Foreign particles and cells in the respiratory system stimulate the immune system to release macrophages and lymphocytes as protection. Asthma is a complex inflammatory disease resulting from a mistaken immune response.
Exocrine System
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The lungs and the kidneys work together to maintain proper oxygen levels in the blood. When the kidneys sense that blood oxygen levels are low, they secrete erithropoyetin. This encourages the formation of additional red blood cells with oxygen binding hemoglobin so that more oxygen can be absorbed from the lungs.
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