The Respiratory System

Resource 1: Fact Sheet

Notes for the Teacher:
The aim of the following worksheet is to explain the organs and processes that occur
within the respiratory system in a clear and simplified manner. Once students have
read the material, the questions can be answered. In doing so, students will be able
to recall and apply the information provided in the fact sheet. As this worksheet is
relatively simple, it is advised that teachers use it an introductory activity or shortly
after the content has been introduced to the students. It can also be used as a form
of formative assessment.

Gas Exchange & The Respiratory System

Gas exchange involves the uptake of oxygen from the surrounding air and the
removal of carbon dioxide from the body. In humans, this process is facilitated by the
respiratory system.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/z6h4jxs/revision/2

Lets track the movement of air through the respiratory system!

Air first enters the respiratory system through the nasal cavity where it is sampled for
various odours. The air is also filtered, warmed and humidified.
It then moves past the vocal cords in the larynx and into the pharynx. In the pharynx,
food is moved into the oesophagus for digestion while air is moved into the trachea
for respiration.
The trachea or windpipe branches into two bronchi, one leading into each lung.
Within the lung, the bronchus branch repeatedly into finer tubes called bronchioles.
Lining these tubes are cells that secrete mucus which trap dust, pollen and other
particulate contaminants that have entered the airways. Beating cilia move the
mucus into the pharynx where it is then swallowed or coughed up.

A structure called the alveolus is found at the end of the bronchioles. These air sacs
are where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen diffuses across the thin walls of the
alveolus into the capillaries that surround it. At the same time, carbon dioxide diffuses
from the blood into the lungs where it can then be exhaled. This process of gas
exchange is facilitated by the alveolus thin walls, which gives the lungs its large
surface area.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/z6h4jxs/revision/3

The Process of Breathing

Breathing is essential to the process of gas exchange. It brings oxygen-rich air into
the body while removing carbon dioxide out of the body. This process is facilitated by
the rib cage and the muscles found between the ribs called intercostal muscles. The
diaphragm, which is located below the lungs, also contributes to this process. This
dome-shaped sheet of muscle expands and contracts to inflate and deflate the lungs.
Breathe In
1. When you inhale, the
intercostal muscles contract.
This pulls the rib cage upwards
and outwards.
2. The diaphragm contracts,
pulling the chest cavity
downwards. This helps
increase the volume of the
lung.
3. Air is then pushed into the
lungs.

Breathe Out
1. When you exhale, the
intercostal muscles relax. This
pulls the rib cage inwards and
downwards.
2. The diaphragm relaxes,
moving the chest cavity
upwards. This decreases the
volume of the lung.
3. Air is the pushed out of the
lungs.

Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/z6h4jxs/revisio
n/2

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the function of the respiratory system?
__________________________________________________________________
2.

Complete the table.

Organ or
Structure

Function

Nasal Cavity
Larynx
Pharynx
Trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveolus
3. Which respiratory organs or structures are found in the lung?
__________________________________________________________________
4. In which respiratory organ or structure does gas exchange take place?
__________________________________________________________________
5. Which gas is inhaled? Which gas is exhaled?
__________________________________________________________________
6. Why is the process of breathing important?
__________________________________________________________________

7. Complete the table.

Organ or Structure

Breathing In

Breathing Out

Rib Cage
Intercostal Muscles

Contract

Diaphragm

Relaxes

Volume of Lungs
Air

Pushed into the lungs

References:
American Lung Association. (n.d.). How Lungs Work. Retrieved from
http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/how-lungs-work/

Better Health Channel. (2016). Respiratory system. Retrieved from

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/respirator
y-system

British Broadcasting System. (2016). Respiratory system. Retrieved from

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/z6h4jxs/revision/1

Lung Foundation Australia. (2013). The Lungs - An overview of how they work.
Retrieved from
http://lungfoundation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/The-Lungs--Anoverview-of-how-they-work_july2013.pdf

National Geographic. (n.d.). Lungs. Retrieved from

http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human
body/human-body/lungs-article.html

Reece, J. B., Meyers, N., Urry, L. A., Cain, M.L., Wasserman, S.A., Minorsky, P. V.,
Jackson, R. B., & Cooke, B. N. (2015). Campbell Biology. Melbourne, VIC:
Pearson Australia.