Respiratory tract

In which Respiratory tract it is an umbrella term for different organs. These are responsible for human breathing. The work processes represent a complex interplay of the individual elements. Illnesses can restrict functions and lead to various complaints.

What is the respiratory tract?

The human body depends on oxygen. Every single cell needs O2 so that the metabolic processes can run optimally. This is absorbed through the respiratory tract and finally passed on to the individual organs via the blood.

The respiratory tract is differentiated into various components. On the one hand, there are elements that take care of the transport of oxygen. It is spoken of the so-called air-conducting organs. On the other side is the tissue that handles the gas exchange. As carbon dioxide is exhaled, fresh oxygen enters the lungs at the same time.

The exhaled carbon dioxide is used oxygen. It arises, for example, from various build-up and breakdown processes that take place in the individual cells. Lung diseases or ailments that affect other elements of the respiratory tract can have serious consequences. Lack of oxygen leads to various symptoms such as tiredness and discoloration of the skin. In acute cases, loss of consciousness cannot be ruled out.

Anatomy & structure

The actual respiratory organs are the structures of the lungs. The lungs are differentiated into the left and right lungs. Its shape is that of a cone, the lower side touching the diaphragm. This is of great importance for breathing, it is a respiratory muscle.

A closer look at the lung reveals lobes and vesicles. Humans have around 300 million alveoli. These are filled with air and enable gas exchange. Various muscles are involved in breathing. The tissue ensures that the chest can stretch or constrict. This ensures inhalation and exhalation. The organs that conduct air include the nasal cavity, larynx, windpipe and bronchi. Inhaled through the nose or mouth, the oxygen passes through the windpipe. Here the substance is passed on to the bronchi.

The bronchi branch out into fine branches as they continue. The inhaled oxygen is optimally distributed via the bronchi. The air-conducting elements are divided into upper and lower airways. Below the larynx are the lower airways, above the upper ones.

Function & tasks

The task of the respiratory tract is to supply oxygen. The air is inhaled through the throat and then reaches the lungs. At the same time, the heart transports oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. Gas exchange can take place in the alveoli. Carbon dioxide passes out through exhalation while the blood is loaded with fresh oxygen and continues to circulate.

Humans need about 0.3 liters of oxygen per minute when they are resting. The amount may increase with physical exertion. To get 0.3 liters of oxygen, about 8 liters of air must be inhaled. Every day, around 10,000 to 20,000 liters of air enter the human organism. The individual elements of the respiratory tract have additional tasks. For example, the bronchi ensure that the air is cleaned of pollution.

Dust and pathogens get caught in a specific mucous membrane. This produces a certain thick mucus and in this way can protect the body from the pathogens penetrating deeper. Mucus comes to the fore, especially during colds. So it can loosen itself and be coughed up. The airways, on the other hand, are responsible for the optimal distribution of oxygen.

They regulate the entry of fresh oxygen and the release of CO2. At the same time, their nature ensures that the air is first cleaned and humidified. Before the oxygen hits the lungs, the air has already been warmed on its way. Life without gas exchange would not be possible. Accordingly, the respiratory tract has very important functions.

Diseases

Breathing can be restricted by various diseases. These can affect air-conducting organs as well as the lungs. Asthma is particularly common in children. This is a chronic inflammation of the airways, which constricts as the disease progresses and can lead to shortness of breath.

Different causes are differentiated. Ultimately, the mucous membrane enlarges, which leads to the classic symptoms. At the same time, uncontrollable contractions of the muscle tissue occur, making breathing difficult. With pneumonia, individual regions are usually affected by the symptoms. Both lungs are rarely affected. It is either an inflammation of the alveoli or the spaces between them.

Usually bacteria or viruses are to blame for the development, in rare cases fungi. Pneumonia is one of the most common causes of death in Germany and requires prompt medical treatment. Smokers in particular suffer from COPD. The term covers various diseases that cause the airways to narrow. For example, bronchitis is also part of COPD. As part of long-term inflammation, the airways in the bronchi narrow.

The respiratory tract can also be affected by cancer. In the area of ​​the lungs, a malignant change in the tissue often leads to the death of the patient. More men fall ill than women.