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The respiratory system is a group of organs and tissues that permits breathing. The main parts of this system are the airways, the lungs and linked blood vessels, and the muscles that enable breathing.
The respiratory system works to deliver oxygen to all of the tissues in the body and to release carbon dioxide from tissues in exhaled breath. The respiratory system ensures that breathing is changed when a person's activity level or environment is changed.
A respiratory control center at the base of the brain controls breathing. This center sends ongoing signals down the spine and to the nerves of the muscles involved in breathing.
These signals ensure the breathing muscles contract (tighten) and relax regularly. This allows breathing to happen automatically, without awareness.
To a limited degree, people can change their breathing rates, such as by breathing faster or holding the breath. Emotions also can change breathing. For example, being scared or angry can affect the breathing pattern.
Breathing will change depending on how active a person is and the condition of the air. For example, when physically active, a person needs to breathe more often. In contrast, the body needs to restrict how much air is inhaled if the air contains irritants or toxins.
Several diseases and conditions affect the breathing apparatus. Often mechanical ventilation, such as a ventilator, is needed to assist poor respiration.
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