THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Take a deep breath in and a deep breath out...you are using the respiratory system! Your respiratory system is made up of nose, mouth, trachea, and lungs.
What does this system do? This system is made up of passages and tubes that move the air you breathe. This is where the gas exchange of air, blood, and your tissues takes place.
When you breathe in or inhale, air enters into your body through your nose and mouth. Your lungs fill up with that air and expand, just like a balloon. When you exhale or breathe out, your body empties the air from your lungs. Once oxygen enters your lungs it travels through the tubes to the tiniest tubes called bronchi. These branches send the air into air sacs, which are known as alveoli. The lungs have capillaries that surround it. Capillaries are small blood vessels that take in the oxygen, which then takes it to the rest of your body.
As blood travels through the lungs, it takes in the oxygen-rich blood and releases the carbon dioxide that it has picked up. Carbon dioxide is the waste product that is exhaled from the body through the respiratory system.
ACTIVITY:
Research one unhealthy habit or air pollution that could effect your lungs. Write 1-2 paragraphs on your topic and how it would effect your lungs. Include a detailed drawing of what your lungs look like. Be sure to include bronchi and alveoli.
Kids Health: http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/lungs.html
Inside the Human Body: http://www.lung.ca/children/grades4_6/index.html
View the Respiratory System: http://www.umm.edu/respiratory/anatomy.htm