Illustration copyright 2000, 2004 by Nucleus
Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://www.nucleusinc.com
The main function of the respiratory system is to supply the blood
with oxygen in order for the blood to deliver oxygen to all parts of the body.
The respiratory system does this through breathing.
The upper respiratory tract (upper airway) consists of the nose,
mouth, sinuses, pharynx (upper section of the throat), and larynx (voice box).
The lower respiratory tract consists of the trachea (windpipe), bronchial
tubes, and lungs. The bronchial tubes carry air into the lungs and branch into
smaller and smaller bronchioles. These end in alveoli (air sacs).
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology |
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| Last Revised | July 10, 2012 |
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Last Revised:
July 10, 2012
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology