Introduction Anatomy and Physiology The Heart and Lungs The Physiology of Breathing The Upper Respiratory Tract The Nasal Cavity and Sinuses The Ear The Lower Respiratory Tract The Lobes of the Lungs The Trachea, Bronchial Tubes and Aveoli Cilia When Something Goes Wrong Allergies Hay Fever Asthma Allergy Shots Emphysema Sinus Trouble Otitis Media (middle ear infections) Antibiotics Nutritional Support for the Respiratory System General Asthma With a History of Anxiety or Stress With a History of Allergies or Hay Fever Sinus and Lung Support for "Dry" Conditions Sinus and Lung Support for "Damp" Conditions Aromatherapy for the Respiratory System What About Children? Conclusion Word Review List Self Evaluation

Introduction

The respiratory system enables us to produce energy by supplying the body with a continuous supply of oxygen. It is also responsible for eliminating carbon dioxide, a by-product of cell metabolism. Whereas oxygen is necessary for human and animal respiration, carbon dioxide is necessary for plant respiration. Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, their waste product, and the cycle of mutual benefit between plants and animals continues.

	In the lesson on the circulatory system we learned that the four-chambered human heart is divided into two separate pumps, the "right heart" and the "left heart." The right heart (consisting of the right atrium and ventricle) collects deoxygenated blood returning from the body by way of the veins and pumps it through the lungs where carbon dioxide is eliminated and fresh oxygen is picked up. From the lungs, the newly oxygenated blood is collected by the left heart (the left atrium and ventricle) and is pumped, by way of the aorta, throughout the body to supply the cells with oxygen and to collect carbon dioxide for elimination the next time through.

The purpose of the lungs is to . . .

A. supply the body with oxygen.
B. eliminate nitrogen from the body.
C. eliminate carbon dioxide from the body.
D. both A and C.
E. all of the above.

(Select the best answer and click on the "Continue" button.)