5.1: Respiratory System

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The major organs of the respiratory system function primarily to provide oxygen to body tissues for cellular respiration, remove the waste product carbon dioxide, and help to maintain acid-base balance. Portions of the respiratory system are also used for non-vital functions such as sensing odors, speech production, and for straining such as during childbirth or coughing (Figure).

Major Respiratory Structures

This figure shows the upper half of the human body. The major organs in the respiratory system are labeled.

The major respiratory structures span the nasal cavity to the diaphragm.

Functionally, the respiratory system can be divided into a conducting zone and a respiratory zone. The conducting zone of the respiratory system includes the organs and structures not directly involved in gas exchange. The gas exchange occurs in the respiratory zone.

Organs and Structures of the Respiratory System. Authored by: OpenStax CNX. Located at: http://cnx.org/contents/t2sgkCQ-@8/Organs-and-Structures-of-the-R. License: CC BY: Attribution. License Terms: Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/b76b2090-243...2e45bda6ab75@8.