Author: Ms. Shikha Singh
Volume: 01
First Online: 31 August 2024
Pages: 143-156
DOI:

The respiratory system is essential for gas exchange, supplying oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide. Anatomically, it includes the upper respiratory tract (nose, pharynx, larynx) and the lower respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi, lungs). The lungs, key organs in this system, are divided into lobes—three in the right lung and two in the left. Each lung contains a network of bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli where gas exchange occurs. The pleura, a double-layered membrane, surrounds the lungs and reduces friction during breathing. The mechanism of respiration involves two main processes: inspiration and expiration. During inspiration, the diaphragm contracts and flattens, and the intercostal muscles raise the ribcage, creating a negative pressure that draws air into the lungs. Expiration is typically passive, as the diaphragm relaxes and the ribcage falls, pushing air out of the lungs. This coordinated movement of muscles and changes in pressure ensure efficient ventilation, allowing the body to maintain proper oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.