Respiratory System

Respiratory System
 Air enters the body through the nose and mouth.
 It travels past the larynx and down the trachea and bronchial tubes into the lung.
 Bronchial tubes divide into small branches called bronchioles, and then tiny sacs call alveoli.
Disorders of the Respiratory System
 Asphyxia – too little oxygen and too much carbon dioxide (can occur in small breathing space).
 Anoxia – shortage of oxygen (occurs at very high altitudes). Person looses judgment, pass into comma.
 Hyperventilation – deep rapid breaths that reduce the amount of carbon dioxide.
 Hay fever – seasonal allergic reactions. Body produces, histamines in response to the irritants entering the lungs.
 Asthma – more severe allergic reaction. Muscles surrounding the air tubes constrict.
 Viral infections (e.g., flu); Bacterial infections (e.g., strep throat)