The Respiratory System and Diseases & Disorders

The Respiratory System and Diseases & Disorders

Organ System

The organ system we are writing about is respiratory system. The diseases of the respiratory system can affect any part of the respiratory tract and range from trivial to life-threatening. The nasal passages and pharynx are targets for the viruses membranes. The immune system fights back by increasing blood flow to the area, bringing numerous virus-attacking white blood cells to the scene; this cause the membranes to swell, resulting in the stuffy nose associated with colds. Mucous secretions increase in response to the viral attack, creating the runny nose typical of colds. The infection can spread to the sinuses, the membrane-line cavities in the head, as well as the lower respiratory tract and the middle ear. (Gary & Patton 2008)

Role of Respiratory System in Normal Functioning of Human Organism

The Respiratory System is crucial to every human being. Without it, we would cease to live outside of the womb. Let us begin by taking a look at the structure of the respiratory system and how vital it is to life. During inhalation or exhalation air is pulled towards or away from the lungs, by several cavities, tubes, and openings. The organs of the respiratory system make sure that oxygen enters our bodies and carbon dioxide leaves our bodies.

The respiratory tract is the path of air from the nose to the lungs. It is divided into two sections: Upper Respiratory Tract and the Lower Respiratory Tract. Included in the upper respiratory tract are the Nostrils, Nasal Cavities, Pharynx, Epiglottis, and the Larynx. The lower respiratory tract consists of the Trachea, Bronchi, Bronchioles, and the Lungs. As air moves along the respiratory tract it is warmed, moistened and filtered.

Homeostasis is maintained by the respiratory system in two ways: gas exchange and regulation of blood pH. Gas exchange is performed by the lungs by eliminating carbon dioxide, a waste product given off by cellular respiration. As carbon dioxide exits the body, oxygen needed for cellular respiration enters the body through the lungs. ATP, produced by cellular respiration, provides the energy for the body to perform many functions, including nerve conduction and muscle contraction. Lack of oxygen affects brain function, sense of judgment, and a host of other problems.

Effect of Respiratory system on Other Body Organisms

We already mentioned the circulatory system. With gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2), other compounds can be ...