Four distinct process of Respiration.

VGTA

-Ventilation: movement of air into and out of the lungs -Gas exchange: between blood and air-filled chambers of the lungs

-Transport of gases: Accomplished by cardiovascular system

-Absorption: of O2 and release of CO2 by tissue cells

1. Providing for an extensive area for gas exchange between air and blood

2.Moving air to and from the exchange surfaces of the lungs

3. Protecting respiratory surfaces from dehydration, temperature changes, or other environmental variations, and defending the respiratory system and other tissues from invasion by pathogens.

4. Homestatic regulation of pH of blood by elimination of carbon dioxide.

5. Producing sounds involved in speaking, singing, and nonverbal communication.

6. Providing olfaction sensations (smell) to the CNS from the olfactory epithelium in the superior portion of the nasal cavity.

Conducting Portion

(passage ways)

-includes the nose through the terminal bronchioles--physically moving air through the respiratory passeways.

3 important functions:

     (1) warm and moisen air

     (2) to distribute air to alveoli

     (3) to serve as a part of the body's defense mech.

-lined with specialized respiratory epithelium (cilated epithelium with mucous-producing goblet cells)

-keeps microorganisms, dust particles, from entering the alveoli. Lined with cilia that beat synchronously, moving materials up the trachea