Respiratory systems.
Main Structures.
There a three major parts of the respiratory system.
1. The airways.
2. The lungs.
3. and the muscles of the respiration.
Main function.
1. The respiratory system provides oxygen to the body's cells while removing carbon dioxide. The airways, which include
the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and bronchioles carry air between the lungs and the bodies exterior.
2. The lungs act as the functional unit of the respiratory system by passing oxygen into the body and carbon dioxide out
of the body.
3. The muscles of the respiration, including the diaphragm and intercostal, work together to act as a pump, pushing air in
and out of the lungs during breathing.
Changes due to age.
Elastic tissues deteriorates throughout the body and reduces the lung's ability to inflate and deflate and because of
arthritic changes the rib cage does not move freely. The reduction in chest movement limits respiratory volume.