Human Respiratory System: Facts, Definition

The human lungs are the most functional organs in the human respiratory system.

The pinkish pair of lungs on our chest is spongy in texture.

When you breathe in, you absorb oxygen from the air through your lungs, and the oxygen gets mixed with your blood.

Similarly, your blood moves the carbon dioxide to your blood, and you exhale the gas.

Our brain controls the respiratory system according to the signals sent to the brain by sensors.

This is the human respiratory system in brief. 

The article will discuss several important aspects of the human respiratory system, focusing on the importance and functionality. 

Respiratory System 

Lungs are placed on each side of our heart inside the chest.

The right lung is segmented in three sections, and the left lung in two sections.

The right lung is a bit larger compared to the left lung as the heart takes up some room from the left side.

As we inhale, air enters and travels down through the air sacs to the lungs. 

The circulatory system, including the heart and blood vessels, supports the respiratory process by bringing blood so and forth.

The circulatory system offers nutrients and oxygen to the organs from the lungs and exhales carbon dioxide. 

The immune system, Nervous system, and lymphatic system also come under the respiratory process.

The respiratory system includes the organs like mouth, nose, and nostrils, larynx, trachea, bronchial tubes, bronchioles, chest muscles, diaphragm, blood vessels, and tissues.

In the beginning, we inhale the air, the air fills the air sacs in the lungs, and the lungs absorb the oxygen from the air and mix it with the bloodstream. 

How does Human Body control Breathing?

The nervous system and the body muscles control the breathing process.

Lungs cannot expand and contract the size due to their spongy texture.

Chest and abdomen muscles work like elastic balloons to smoothen the respiratory process. 

The Breathing Muscles include-

a. Diaphragm- dome-shaped muscles between lungs

b. Intercostal Muscle – muscles between your ribs

c. Abdominal muscles

d. Facial, mouth, and Pharynx muscles

e. Neck and Collarbone Muscles 

The functionality of the muscles depends on the nervous system.

Any injury in the spinal cord disturbs the respiratory process by affecting the muscles' functions. 

Our automatic nervous system controls the breathing process.

The sympathetic nervous system enhances the breathing rate, and the parasympathetic nervous system slows down the rate.

The phases when you control your breathing rate are during exercises, singing, recitation, etc. 

The sensors in the airways, joints, and muscles send signals to the respiratory senses in the brain. 

What does Breathing do?

There are two parts of the breathing system – breathe in and breathe out.

The whole process of gas exchange in the lungs happens through these constant automatic functions.

You get the oxygen in and remove the carbon dioxide from your blood through the breathing system.

The red blood cells named hemoglobin carry oxygen to your blood

The blood cells create energy out of the oxygen you inhale.

The oxygen-rich blood flows throughout the body from the left lung, and the carbon dioxide-rich air is exhaled out from the body through the right lung.

During physical exercise, the breathing rate increases, and you push out the carbon dioxide from your body rapidly. 

Below are some of the damages, injuries, and diseases that affect the respiratory system

a. Asthma

b. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

c. Bronchitis

d. COPD

e. Pneumonia

f. Sleep Apnoea

g. Pleural Disorders

h. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis 

i. Excessive smoking, air pollution, toxic airy components can affect the airways causing severe respiratory problems in the future. 

Ways to Keep Your Lungs Healthy 

You need to keep your heart and lungs healthy to lead a happy and disease-free life.

You may follow the below tips to boost your lung power.

1. Do not Smoke 

If you do not smoke, do not start and if you do, quit smoking.

There are several ways you can stop smoking.

The National Cancer Institute helpline is also available for the ones who want to quit smoking.

2. Avoid Passive Smoking

Try to stay away from the places where people smoke.

Ask your acquaintances to smoke, not inside the house or car. 

3. Maintain a Balanced Weight

It is essential to maintain a proper weight concerning your height and age.

You need to keep a healthy eating habit and exercise regularly to avoid being obese.

Sleep is also vital to keep up a healthy weight.

Unhealthy eating habits and lack of sleep can lead to overweight. 

4. Be Active 

Do not sit down idly.

Physical activity can enhance the efficiency and functionality of your heart and lungs.

Physical exercises decrease the risk of lung disease.

Ask your doctor which physical exercises are right for you?

5. Go out only when needed

Do not expose yourself much to outside air pollution.

Go outside only when it is necessary. Avoid heavy traffic to avoid poisonous air pollution. 

6. Stop Indoor Air Pollution

Reduce air pollution within the house.

Clean the house regularly to remove dust and fumes.

Exhaust the cooking gas and other unwanted smells from the house.

Do not burn incense sticks within the house. 

7. Take Precaution to avoid seasonal disease

If you are prone to viral diseases, take a flu vaccine under the guidance of your doctor.

You may ask for the advice of your doctor to get a yearly flu shot. 

8. Free Your Home from Radon Gas

Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas.

The natural gas enters the house through cracks and causes lung cancer.

Several cheap testing kits are available in the market to check whether the house is free of radon gas.

If the gaseous level is high, take necessary actions to reduce the radon gad level.

To conclude

The article has information on the human respiratory system, focusing on the functionality and significance.

We are dead without our respiratory system.

As we have already discussed, the pair of lungs are the most crucial organs in our breathing process.

The above info has also talked about ways to keep your lung healthy & avoid any respiratory diseases.