There are two important components of the respiratory system that do not have anything to do with breathing. The mouth takes 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 oxigen. liquids and food to the proper location in your body. This is just like a traffic policemen directing cars during rush hour. A tiny flap of tissue covers the windpipe when we swallow our food so that we don't choke straight to your lungs. The second function relates to smell and connects to our nose. All of these respiratory function working together are just one part of our amazing body.