PHYS 799 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Pulmonary Pleurae, Bronchiole, Thoracic Cavity
12 Oct 2018
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The major functions of the respiratory system can be divided into two categories: respiratory. The first function, which will be emphasized in this course, is to carry out gas exchange. Metabolizing tissues utilize oxygen and produce carbon dioxide. The respiratory system must obtain oxygen from the environment and must eliminate co2 that is produced by cellular metabolism. These processes must be coordinated so that the demand for oxygen is met and so that the co2 that is produced is eliminated. It should be intuitive to most people that cells cannot live without an adequate supply of oxygen. It may not be intuitive, however, that failure to eliminate co2 adequately can also be harmful because changes in co2 levels affect acid-base balance in the body. The respiratory system, which includes the lungs, airways, the portion of the nervous system involved in respiratory control, the chest wall, and muscles, is well designed to carry out gas exchange in an expeditious manner.
