Respiratory system:
- Our respiratory system takes up oxygen from the air we breathe and expels the unwanted carbon dioxide.
- The main organ of the respiratory system is the lungs. Our respiratory system is made up of lungs, airways (trachea, bronchi and bronchioles), diaphragm, voice box, throat, nose and mouth.
- Its main function is to breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide.
Pulmonary ventilation:
- Pulmonary ventilation is commonly referred to as breathing.
- It is the process of air flowing into the lungs during inspiration (inhalation) and out of the lungs during expiration (exhalation).
- Air flows because of pressure differences between the atmosphere and the gases inside the lungs.
Inhalation:
When the lungs inhale, the diaphragm contracts and pulls downward. At the same time, the muscles between the ribs contract and pull upward. This increases the size of the thoracic cavity and decreases the pressure inside. As a result, air rushes in and fills the lungs.
Exhalation:
When the lungs exhale, the diaphragm relaxes, and the volume of the thoracic cavity decreases, while the pressure within it increases.
Respiratory acidosis:
Respiratory acidosis is when our lungs can't remove all the carbon dioxide that your body produces, so your blood pH is lower (more acidic) than normal and blood becomes acidic.
Respiratory alkalosis:
Respiratory alkalosis is when hyperventilation prevents our lungs from removing excess carbon dioxide, and blood pH is higher (more basic) than normal.
