The Human Body System

Gas Exchange 

When gas exchanges, it takes place in the alveoli. Alveoli are small sac-like pouches that are found in your lungs. They are the smallest part of your lungs but have a very large surface area relating to volume(they are the size of a tennis court!). It is composed of epithelial tissue and are surrounded by capillaries which are the smallest blood vessels. First, you inhale air and it goes through the nostrils, down the posterior pharynx to the trachea into the lungs and through a very thin membrane on the alveoli. From there this goes into the red blood cells. When these blood cells are oxygen-rich, they are tansported throughout the body to its different organs and systems. When the oxygen is delivered, carbon dioxide is made as a result and is carried from the blood cells back to the lungs. After it goes back into the alveoli through diffusion, the carbon dioxide is released when you exhale.     

Dependence

The Respiratory System depends on all of the other systems to work. The Respiratory System helps all of the other systems in its own way too. The Skeletal System is needed because it uses the ribs to protect the lungs. The Muscular System provides support in order for respiration to occur. The Digestive System is needed because that is the system that gets food into the energy form for the systems to work. The Circulatory System, probably one of the most important, makes sure that the blood gets from the body and into the lungs, respiration and the transfer of oxygen. The Nervous System determines the rate at which you breathe. All of these systems contribute something in orderfor the Respiratory System to work.