The respiratory system in humans is one of the most important vital signs of the body. Without proper working of the respiratory system, a person will not be able to breathe, it can even have an impact on the function of other organs.
The respiratory system in humans is a group of organs involved in the process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. A person can be said to have a normal respiratory rate if he breathes 12-20 times per minute at rest and takes place continuously.
Respiratory System Organs in Humans
Before knowing how the respiratory system works in humans, let’s first identify the organs that play a role in this system. The human respiratory system is divided into two, namely the upper and lower respiratory systems. The following is an explanation:
Upper respiratory system
There are several organs in the human upper respiratory system, namely:
- The nasal cavity consists of mucous membranes and fine hairs that function to filter dust or dirt particles from the air that enters the nose
- Sinuses, which are air-filled cavities along the sides of the nose whose role is to regulate the temperature and humidity of the inhaled air
- Pharynx, to channel incoming air from the nose or mouth to be forwarded to the trachea
- Larynx , which is a small room before the trachea that contains the vocal cords
Lower respiratory system
Some of the organs in the lower respiratory system include:
- Trachea , which is the main airway to the lungs which is located below the larynx
- Bronchi, branches of the trachea that function to pass air into the lungs and the smallest branches are known as bronchioles
- The lungs consist of millions of alveoli which receive air from the bronchioles and serve as a place for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- Diaphragm, which is the main respiratory muscle that can contract and relax alternately so that air can enter and leave the lungs
How the Respiratory System Works in Humans
The work of the respiratory system in humans involves all respiratory organs. These organs work together to help the body exchange gases between the lungs and blood vessels, which are then distributed to all parts of the body or exhaled into the air.
The following is how the respiratory system works in humans:
- When inhaling or inhaling, the diaphragm and the muscles between the ribs will contract and expand the chest cavity so that the lungs can expand and fill with air.
- Air enters through the nose and mouth, then passes through the process of filtering small particles by the hairs of the nose, then goes to the trachea or windpipe.
- Air from the trachea enters the lungs through the respiratory tract called the bronchi and bronchioles, then ends at the alveoli.
- When air reaches the alveoli , there is an exchange process between oxygen and carbon dioxide in small blood vessels called capillaries.
- Oxygen enters the capillaries, then rides on red blood cells to the heart to be distributed throughout the body. At the same time, carbon dioxide enters from the capillaries into the lung cavity.
- After the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is complete, the diaphragm and rib muscles relax and the chest cavity returns to normal. Air containing carbon dioxide is pushed from the alveoli to the bronchioles, bronchi, trachea, and out through the nose.
In addition to playing a role in air and gas exchange, the respiratory system can also filter, warm, and humidify the air that is inhaled and plays a role in the processes of speech and smell.
The respiratory system in humans does seem like a simple thing. However, behind every inhalation and exhalation, there is cooperation between organs that is quite complicated to obtain oxygen for the continuity of all systems in the body.
If one organ does not work properly, the function of the respiratory system as a whole can be disrupted. Respiratory disorders that often occur and are quite dangerous are asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tuberculosis, and asphyxia . Swallowing the tongue can also be a disorder of the airways that is dangerous if it doesn’t get immediate treatment.
Therefore, the health of the respiratory system must be maintained properly, for example by stopping smoking or avoiding cigarette smoke and exercising regularly.
If you experience symptoms of a disorder in the respiratory system, such as shortness of breath or coughing, especially if it has been going on for a long time, consult a doctor immediately to get the right examination and treatment.