MEDICAL BIOLOGY, HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY - Ya.I. Fedoniuk 2010

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY

CHAPTER 6. THE RESPIRATORY PROCESS AND ITS PATHOLOGY

ANATOMY OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS

The Respiratory system (systema respiratorium) ensures the oxygenation of the body and the elimination of carbon dioxide. The respiratory Organs include the Nasal cavity, Larynx, Trachea, Bronchi, and Lungs. The respiratory system comprises the conducting airways (nasal cavity, larynx, trachea, and bronchi) and the Respiratory Portion (respiratory division), which is represented by the lung parenchyma. Gas exchange between the air and Blood takes place in the pulmonary alveoli.

Because the respiratory system develops from the ventral wall of the foregut, it is connected to the Digestive System—specifically, the upper laryngeal opening opens into the Pharynx. Therefore, as mentioned above, air enters the larynx not only through the nasal cavity, but can also pass through the Oral Cavity and pharynx. Consequently, the airways can be divided into upper (nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx) and lower (larynx, trachea, bronchi) respiratory tracts.

The airways represent a system of tubes supported by a cartilaginous framework, while their mucous membrane is lined with ciliated epithelium. The Cartilage prevents the collapse of the airway walls, and the ciliated epithelium expels foreign particles entering the body with inhaled air along with mucus.



Last update: 08/08/2026

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