The respiratory tract is an umbrella term for various organs. These are responsible for the breathing of humans. The working processes represent a complex interaction of the individual elements. Diseases can limit the functions and lead to various complaints.
What is the respiratory tract?
The human body is dependent on oxygen. In order for metabolic processes to run optimally, every single cell requires O2. This is absorbed through the respiratory tract and eventually 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. We speak of the so-called air-conducting organs. On the other hand, there is the tissue that handles the gas exchange. While carbon dioxide is exhaled, fresh oxygen enters the lungs at the same time. The exhaled carbon dioxide is spent oxygen. It is produced, for example, by various build-up and breakdown processes that take place in the individual cells. Lung diseases or ailments affecting other elements of the respiratory tract can trigger serious consequences. Lack of oxygen leads to various manifestations such as fatigue and discoloration of the skin. In acute cases, loss of consciousness cannot be ruled out.
Anatomy and structure
The actual respiratory organs are the structures of the lungs. The lungs are differentiated into the left and right lung. Its shape exhibits that of a cone, and the lower side touches the diaphragm. This is of great importance for breathing, it is a respiratory muscle. If the lung is examined more closely, lung lobes and vesicles are revealed. Humans have about 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 expand or contract. This ensures inhalation and exhalation. Air-conducting organs include the nasal cavity, larynx, trachea and bronchi. Inhaled through the nose or mouth, oxygen passes through the trachea. Here it is passed on to the bronchi. The bronchi branch out into fine branches as they continue their course. The inhaled oxygen is optimally distributed via the bronchi. The air conducting elements are divided into upper and lower airways. Below the larynx, these are the lower respiratory tract, above – the upper.
Function and tasks
The function of the respiratory tract is to supply oxygen. Air is inhaled through the pharynx and thus reaches the lungs. At the same time, the heart transports deoxygenated blood to the lungs. Gas exchange can take place in the alveoli. Carbon dioxide leaks out through exhalation, while the blood is loaded with fresh oxygen and continues its circulation. Humans require about 0.3 liters of oxygen per minute at rest. During physical exertion, the amount may increase. To obtain 0.3 liters of oxygen, about 8 liters of air must be inhaled. Thus, about 10,000 to 20,000 liters of air enter the human organism every day. The individual elements of the respiratory tract also have other tasks to perform. 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 can thus protect the body from deeper penetration of the pathogens. Especially during colds, the mucus comes to the fore. Thus, it can be loosened and coughed up. The respiratory tracts, 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, they already ensure initial purification as well as humidification of the air by their very nature. Before the oxygen reaches the lungs, the air has already been heated on its way. Life would not be possible without gas exchange. Accordingly, the respiratory tract has very significant 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 can narrow in the course of the disease and lead to shortness of breath. Different causes are differentiated. Ultimately, the mucosa enlarges, which leads to the classic complaints. At the same time, there are uncontrollable contractions of the muscle tissue, and breathing becomes difficult. In pneumonia, individual regions are usually affected by the symptoms. Only rarely are both lungs affected. It is either an inflammation of the alveoli or the interstitial spaces. Bacteria or viruses are usually to blame, in rare cases fungi. Pneumonia is one of the most common causes of death in Germany and requires rapid medical treatment. COPD is mainly suffered by smokers. The term is used to describe various diseases that result in a narrowing of the airways. Bronchitis, for example, is also part of COPD. As part of the long-term inflammation, the airways in the area of the bronchial tubes narrow. The respiratory tract can also be affected by cancer. In the lung area, a malignant change of the tissue often leads to the death of the patient. More men than women develop the disease.
