There are two important components of the respiratory system that do not have anything to do with breathing.The mouth take 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 is 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 re just one part of our amazing body.