The main function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of gases between the body and the environment. This system is essential for bringing in oxygen (O2) from the air and expelling carbon dioxide (CO2), a waste product of metabolism.
When we inhale, air travels through the nose or mouth, down the trachea, and into the lungs. Inside the lungs, oxygen from the air passes into tiny air sacs called alveoli, where it enters the bloodstream. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. This gas exchange process is crucial for maintaining the body’s cellular functions, as oxygen is necessary for producing energy and carbon dioxide must be removed to prevent toxicity.