Final answer:
The primary functions of the pulmonary system include delivering oxygen to the body, removing carbon dioxide, and maintaining acid-base balance through the process of gas exchange. Air movement for ventilation is governed by pressure changes in the lungs as per Boyle's law. The respiratory system works closely with the cardiovascular system, with the latter providing the blood circuit necessary for gas exchange.
Step-by-step explanation:
Main Functions of the Pulmonary System
The main functions of the pulmonary system, or respiratory system, are to deliver oxygen to the body's tissues for cellular respiration, remove carbon dioxide, a waste product from cells, and help maintain acid-base balance. Part of these functions also involves non-vital aspects such as sensing odors, producing speech, and straining during activities like childbirth or coughing.
Gas Exchange and Air Movement
The gas exchange process occurs at the respiratory membrane, where oxygen is transferred into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed. This is achieved through pulmonary ventilation which supplies air to the alveoli. The actual exchange relies on the blood supplied via the pulmonary circulation that contains deoxygenated blood. This blood, once oxygenated, wherein erythrocytes or red blood cells pick up oxygen, is then circulated throughout the body.
For air to move into and out of the lungs, the system relies on pressure gradients established by changes in lung volume, which are in accordance with Boyle's law. This law suggests that the pressure of gas is inversely proportional to its volume. Therefore, when the volume of the lung increases, the pressure decreases, allowing air to flow in. Conversely, when lung volume decreases, the pressure increases and air is pushed out.
Integration with Cardiovascular System
The respiratory system is closely linked with the cardiovascular system to perform its main function. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the alveoli, and after gas exchange, the oxygenated blood is carried away by the pulmonary veins.