Respiratory System Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Respiratory System - Assignment Example The coarse hair, mucus and cilia in the respiratory tract clean, warms and moistens the air. Hair is in the nostril region while mucus and cilia are found in the rest of the nasal cavity. Hair and cilia in the nose are used in screening air while in trachea cilia moves upward and carry the food particles in the pharynx. The heat given by the blood vessels warms the air while the wet surfaces moisten the air. As air moves out during exhalation, it cools and dries up. During cooling, moisture is deposited on lining of the nose and the trachea (Michael & Albert 2001, p.10-13).NoseNose opens at the nostrils which lead to nasal cavities. Nasal cavities contain ciliated cells that act as the odour receptors. The cells contain nerves that lead to the brain. Nasal cavities communicate with cranial sinuses in the skull. Any inflammation of the duct stimulates accumulation of fluid. The hollow spaces in the nose enhance filtering, warming and moistening the air (Michael & Albert 2001, p.10-13) .PharynxPharynx is funnel-shaped and links oral and nasal cavities to larynx. Tonsils in the pharynx contain lymphocytes that protect against inhaled foreign antigens.Alveoli are contained in the lungs, and each sac is surrounded by the blood capillaries. The walls of alveoli contain the squamous epithelium or the flattened cells that enhance the exchange of gases. The surfactant in the alveoli reduces the surface tension and prevents lungs from closing. During inhalation, the air moving in and out, tidal volume, is small.... The heat given by the blood vessels warms the air while the wet surfaces moisten the air. As air moves out during exhalation, it cools and dries up. During cooling, moisture is deposited on lining of the nose and the trachea (Michael & Albert 2001, p.10-13). Nose Nose opens at the nostrils which lead to nasal cavities. Nasal cavities contain ciliated cells that act as the odour receptors. The cells contain nerves that lead to the brain. Nasal cavities communicate with cranial sinuses in the skull. Any inflammation of the duct stimulates accumulation of fluid. The hollow spaces in the nose enhance filtering, warming and moistening the air (Michael & Albert 2001, p.10-13). Pharynx Pharynx is funnel-shaped and links oral and nasal cavities to larynx. Tonsils in the pharynx contain lymphocytes that protect against inhaled foreign antigens. Larynx Larynx acts as air passage between the pharynx and trachea. Larynx moves up against epiglottis when swallowing food; the flap tissue prevents f ood from entering into the larynx. Alveoli Alveoli are contained in the lungs, and each sac is surrounded by the blood capillaries. The walls of alveoli contain the squamous epithelium or the flattened cells that enhance the exchange of gases. The surfactant in the alveoli reduces the surface tension and prevents lungs from closing. During inhalation, the air moving in and out, tidal volume, is small. The vital capacity can be increased through expansion of the chest and lungs. During inspiration, external intercostal muscles and the lungs will contract. Diaphragm is dome shaped, and it will lower and contract during inhalation. The volume of the thoracic cavity increases, lungs expand, and the pressure in the alveoli decreases. This allows air to floe naturally flows outside the