The respiratory systemA review of the system, its components and the diseases that can affect itWhat is the respiratory system? Why do we need to breathe? Can the process be changed or modified? The information in this document will help you discover how the respiratory system works, what components make the system work, and the many diseases that can change or alter the process. The respiratory system is made up of the organs and tissues in your body that help you breathe. The purpose of breathing is to deliver oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide, a waste product that can be deadly if it builds up. Cells in the human body need a constant flow of oxygen to stay alive. The body needs oxygen to provide energy and ensure the growth of body cells. The respiratory system resides in the upper abdomen and chest, where oxygen enters through the nose, through inhalation, and is processed by the lungs. Once the air leaves the head, it travels down the trachea. It divides into two branches, the left bronchus and the right bronchus, which enter the lungs. There, it enters a thin membrane lining the walls of the lungs called the alveoli. “As a result, oxygen diffuses through microfine membranes into the blood from the alveoli and carbon dioxide diffuses into the alveoli from the blood” (Petechuk, 2004, p. 20). So when you breathe in, oxygen enters the blood and when you breathe out, carbon dioxide leaves the blood. Many components make up the respiratory system. There is an upper respiratory system and a lower respiratory system. In the upper respiratory system, you will find the nose, pharynx, and larynx. The lower respiratory tract consists of the trachea, bronchial tree, lungs, and middle of paper......through medications, surgery, or special breathing devices. The respiratory system is something we sometimes take for granted; because breathing is something we do without thinking about it. It is a system composed of organs, tissues and blood circulation. It is a complex and fragile system that we must take care of if we want to live a healthy life. Works CitedPetechuk, David. The respiratory system. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2004. Print. “Respiratory system: facts, function and diseases.” » Livescience.com. Tech Media Network, 2013. Web. November 17, 2013. “Respiratory system.” Inner body. HOWTOMEDIA, Inc., nd Web. November 17, 2013. .Whittemore, Susan and Denton A. Cooley, MD The respiratory system. Philadelphia [Pa. : Chelsea House, 2004. Print.