Respiratory System
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The Necessity of the Human Respiratory System
Emily P. Robertson
Oklahoma Wesleyan University: Introduction to Human Biology
Respiratory System
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Abstract
The respiratory system is responsible for ventilation, also known as breathing which includes
both inspiration, and expiration; therefore, the respiratory system is responsible for a life
stabilizing function.
Respiratory System
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The Necessity of the Human Respiratory System
Introduction
Imagine if someone had to tell themselves when to breath. Imagine if breathing was not
an involuntary act, and someone had to consciously remind themselves to breath 12-20 times a
minute (McGraw-Hill Pg. 206). Luckily, that is not the case! The human respiratory system is
responsible for ventilation which is also known as breathing. Breathing consist of inspiration-
inhalation the process of breathing in, and expiration- exhalation the process of breathing out.
Ventilation is controlled by the respiratory control center which can be found in the medulla
oblongata of the brain. This is significant because this control center is responsible for sending
out nerve signals to the diaphragm and the external intercostal muscles of the rib cage, which
allow for said inspiration to occur; thus, once the signal stops, the muscles described relax and
allow for expiration to take place. While breathing is typically involuntary, people have the
capacity to change their breathing patters when doing activities such as biking, running,
consuming food, and even speaking; in turn, making these types of ventilation voluntary. During
ventilation, the respiratory system depends on the cardiovascular system to transport oxygen
form the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. Gas exchange is
necessary because the cells of the body carry out cellular respiration to make energy in the form
of ATP. During cellular respiration, cells use up oxygen and produce carbon dioxide. The
respiratory system provides these cells with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide (McGraw-Hill
Pg. 198).
Respiratory System
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Other Body Systems
While the cardiovascular system is significant in the success of the respiratory system, it
is important to note that all five major systems also have a direct impact on the respiratory
system, and contribute to its optimal success. These systems include the circulatory system,
skeletal system, digestive system, muscular system, and lastly the nervous system. The
circulatory system also delivers carbon dioxide and waste products. This directly helps the
respiratory system by transporting nutrients to keep the lungs clean and healthy; in turn, the
respiratory system allows air to keep the circulatory system going. The skeletal system directly
has an impact because it helps in the protection of the lungs. The respiratory system aids the
digestive system by allotting oxygen. The muscular system helps push and expel air into the
respiratory system through the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm, as previously
