The human respiratory system is responsible for the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide, which is essential for maintaining the body’s metabolic functions. The process begins when air enters through the nose or mouth, passing down the trachea and into the bronchi, which divide into smaller airways called bronchioles. At the end of the bronchioles are tiny air sacs called alveoli, where the exchange of gases occurs. Oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses through the walls of the alveoli into the blood, while carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled.

The respiratory system is vital for maintaining the body’s oxygen levels, which are necessary for cellular respiration, the process that produces energy within cells. Additionally, it helps regulate blood pH by controlling the levels of carbon dioxide, which affects the acidity of the blood. The system is controlled by the brain’s respiratory centers, which monitor the body’s oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Any disruptions in the respiratory system, such as respiratory infections, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can impair this essential function and require medical attention to restore normal breathing. Shutdown123