Describe the passage of air from the outside environment to the lungs

The primary function of the respiratory system is to deliver oxygen to the cells of the body’s tissues and remove carbon dioxide, a cell waste product. The main structures of the human respiratory system are the nasal cavity, the trachea, and lungs.

What You’ll Learn to Do

• Discuss the respiratory processes used by animals without lungs
• Identify common structures in mammalian respiratory systems
• Explain how the lungs are protected from particulate matter

Learning Activities

The learning activities for this section include the following:

• Different Types of Respiratory Systems
• Mammalian Systems
• Protective Mechanisms
• Self Check: Systems of Gas Exchange