There are two important components of the respiratory system that do not have anything to do with breathing. The mouth takes in food and liquids. Of course. food does not go into the lungs; rather it gets digested in the stomach. The respiratory system is responsible for directing oxygen, liquids and food to the proper location in your body. This is just like a traffic policeman directing cars during rush hour. A tiny flap of tissue covers the windpipe when we swallow our food so that we don't choke. Then the windpipe carries oxygen straight to your lungs. The second function relates to smell and connects to our nose. All of these respiratory functions working together are just one part of our amazing body.