The respiratory system: Briefly describe its major physiological functions

Briefly describe its major physiological functions.
The respiratory system of the body facilitates the exchange of gases through inhalation and
exhalation. Gases are exchanged between the air and the blood and between the blood and the
cells in the body. The system aids in pulmonary ventilation or breathing. It is also the system that
allows human beings to create sound and smell (Courtney, 2009). The respiratory system
moisturizes air after bringing it to body temperature. It delivers oxygen to body cells. It also
functions to protect airways from substances that are harmful as well as irritants.
 Identify the associated organs.
The respiratory system has various parts that work together to help in inhaling and
exhaling. The mouth and the nose are parts that facilitate passage of air into the system. Then
there are sinuses, and these are parts that help regulate the humidity and temperature of the air
after it has been breathed in. The throat, which is also known as the pharynx is a tube that allows
the movement of air from the mouth and nose down to the windpipe (trachea). The windpipe is a
passage that is located between the lungs and the throat. The bronchial tubes are located at the
bottom of the trachea, and they connect into the two lungs (Courtney, 2009). Each lung is
surrounded by pleura, which are thin sacs located between the chest wall and the lungs. A
respiratory system has two lungs that take oxygen from inhaled air and passes it into the blood.
Lungs have an alveoli sac that facilitates exchange of gases. The alveoli walls contain capillaries,
which are blood vessels that move gases. The diaphragm is a muscle that is located at the lower

part of the lungs, and it helps the lungs push air out and pull it in. The ribs are bones that offer
protection to the lungs.
 Explain the relationship between normal system function and dysfunction.
An average human being takes 21,000 breaths per day, which are achieved as the inhaling
muscle connected to the chest wall changes its appearance. In a normal state, the chest wall,
abdomen, rib cage, and thorax create a respiratory pump that effectively moves in coordination
with actions as created by the diaphragm, the accessory muscles, intercostals, scalenes, and
abdominals (Courtney, 2009). The coordinated movement is sometimes lost. The diaphragm is
the key component of the respiratory system. If the diaphragm is dysfunctional, then the
functions of other parts of the system are affected. They often become overloaded. Normally, the
diaphragm flattens and descends during inhalation, consequently leading to widening and lifting
of the six lower ribs. When it is functioning normally, the diaphragm leads to displacement of the
abdomen, which is then followed by elevation and lateral enlargement of the six lower ribs.
 Provide one example of how dysfunction can lead to disease.
Breathing dysfunction affects the quality of life, challenges homeostasis, compromises
health, and creates symptoms. Stress or physical exercise tends to increase respiratory drive,
consequently leading to a reduction in the capability of the muscles to carry out their postural
tasks. When respiratory muscles are acting in response to a rise in respiratory drive, they tend to
produce different inhaling patterns (Courtney, 2009). In such situations, these muscles may
become less powerful and less efficient as they may be hypertonic or shortened. The capacity of
the respiratory muscles to provide postural support goes down, leading to poor breathing
coordination, which is mostly associated with chronic neck pain and back pain.

 Examine the interdependence of physiological systems in both health and disease.
Breathing tends to be affected by and sensitive to the body’s state of hyperarousal. Mental
and emotional states bring about hyperarousal, and they contribute to allostatic load (Courtney,
2009). The capacity of the body to remain stable and respond effectively to any alterations is
affected. Anxiety and panic lead to breathing irregularities. This is usually an indication of the
dysregulation of mechanisms that control normal breathing.
 Briefly describe the importance of homeostasis as it relates to our health
One of the elements of breathing functionality is the interaction of breathing oscillations
with oscillations, thereby optimizing their functions in other physiological systems. Oscillations
of the blood pressure, the brain waves, digestive system, lymphatic system, and the heart rate
interact with breathing oscillations (Courtney, 2009). Entrainment of the other oscillating
systems by the respiratory oscillations enhance the physiological functions of the body systems.
B. The Gastrointestinal system
The gastrointestinal system functions to mechanically process food, digest it, absorb the
secret water, enzymes, acids, salt, and buffer, and lastly, eliminate waste from the body. It
comprises of parts such as the teeth, pharynx, esophagus, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, stomach,
small intestines, duodenum, large intestine, rectum, and the anus (Cheng et al., 2010). The
system functions normally by allowing the ingestion of food to the mouth, production of
enzymes, and other compounds that facilitate its movement, digestion, absorption, and finally,
extraction of wastes from the body efficiently and with no complications (Cheng et al., 2010).
Some dysfunctions could include difficulty in food digestion and elimination of waste. Problems
that could be associated with the system include; irritable bowel, constipation, anal fissures,

fistulas, hemorrhoids, perianal abscesses, diverticular diseases, and cancer. The small intestine
and the stomach share crucial electrophysiology similarities with key organs of the body, such as
the heart. Abnormalities of the electrical activity could cause many gastrointestinal motility
disorders.
The different parts of the system work together to perform each of their functions. For
instance, the gastric mucosa secretes gastric juice, which makes food particles soluble and thus
facilitates digestion. The juice converts the food into chyme and thus makes it possible to further
be broken down in the small intestine. Absorption in the stomach depends on the pH levels
(Cheng et al., 2010). Absorption is rapid when the acidic levels in the stomach are high.
However, when the environment is more basic, the absorption is slower. Thus, there is an
interdependence of the different parts, which ensures that each function optimally. Homeostasis
is important as it helps in the maintenance of stable internal environments as well as external. It
ensures that conditions are suitable for different parts within the body to operate. Homeostasis is
a very dynamic process (Cheng et al., 2010). Thus, it is recommended that constant monitoring
be done to ensure that all systems in the body function normally. In case of any changes,
mechanisms should be put n place to restore the normal functioning of each of the systems so
that stability is restored.

References

Cheng, L. K., O’Grady, G., Du, P., Egbuji, J. U., Windsor, J. A., & Pullan, A. J. (2010).
Gastrointestinal system. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Systems Biology and
Medicine, 2(1), 65-79.
Courtney, R. (2009). The functions of breathing and its dysfunctions and their relationship to
breathing therapy. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 12(3), 78-85.