Question

Please write one paragraph (at least 6 sentences) describing the path of Oxygen through the respiratory system. Also include why this "order of operations" is the way it is!

Answer 1

The primary function of the respiratory system is to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Inhaled oxygen enters the lungs and reaches the alveoli. The layers of cells lining the alveoli and the surrounding capillaries are each only one cell thick and are in very close contact with each other. This barrier between air and blood averages about 1 micron (1/10,000 of a centimeter, or 0.000039 inch) in thickness. Oxygen passes quickly through this air-blood barrier into the blood in the capillaries. Similarly, carbon dioxide passes from the blood into the alveoli and is then exhaled.

Oxygenated blood travels from the lungs through the pulmonary veins and into the left side of the heart, which pumps the blood to the rest of the body (see Biology of the Heart : Function of the Heart). Oxygen-deficient, carbon dioxide-rich blood returns to the right side of the heart through two large veins, the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava. Then the blood is pumped through the pulmonary artery to the lungs, where it picks up oxygen and releases carbon dioxide.

Answer 2

I will answer only the first section of the Oxygen path. I believe you will be able to look up the rest of the path on your own. *Good Luck*
First air enters your nose which includes oxygen. The nose contains hairs because when you breathe in dust particles also enters your nose and your nose hairs stops the particles from entering your body. Next Oxygen enters your windpipe (aka large trachea) which is the tube that leads to your lungs. The lungs are a large pair or organs that are located in the human's chest. The lungs are very important organs because without this oxygen could have never entered our bodies to perform the process of respiration. Next is the Bronchi. The Bronchi are large tubes that are located in our lungs. When Oxygen enters our lungs Oxygen goes into our Bronchi which then results in the Bronchi to expand. After the Oxygen goes through the Bronchi it gets divided and moves into smaller tubes called bronchioles. There is an estimate of 30,000 bronchioles in each lung. Air from the Bronchioles then goes into the alveoli which are tiny air sacks. There the Oxygen is separated from the rest of the air inside and it moves into the capillaries. Here is where the Oxygen goes into the blood and Carbon Dioxide comes in from the blood to the lungs.