22.1 Respiratory Functions

respiratory system

organ system that takes in air and expels it from the body

respiration

refers to the ventilation of the lungs

gas exchange

O₂ and CO₂ exchanged between blood and air by respiratory stsem

communication

speech and vocalizations made by the respiratory system

olfaction

sense of smell from respiratory system

acid-base balance

respiratory system influences the pH of body fluids by eliminating CO₂

blood pressure regulation

respiratory system assists with production of angiotensin II, a hormone that regulates blood pressure

blood and lymph flow

breathing creates pressure gradients between thorax and abdominal cavity which promote this

platelet production

more than half of these are produced by megakaryocytes in the lungs

blood filtration

lungs filter small clots

expulsion of abdominal contents

breath-holding assists in urination, defecation, and childbirth