(N/A) The human respiratory system consists of the nose,pharynx,larynx,trachea,bronchi,and lungs.
$(1)$ Nose: The nose is a raised structure on the face. It is divided into external nostrils,nasal chamber,and internal nostrils.
$(a)$ External nostrils: $A$ pair of openings located above the upper lip.
$(b)$ Nasal chamber: The internal cavity divided by a nasal septum. It is categorized into three regions: $(i)$ Vestibular,$(ii)$ Respiratory,and $(iii)$ Olfactory.
$(2)$ Pharynx: $A$ $13 \ cm$ long tube acting as a common passage for food and air. It is divided into $(a)$ Nasopharynx,$(b)$ Oropharynx (bucco-pharynx),and $(c)$ Laryngopharynx.
$(3)$ Larynx: Known as the sound box. It contains the glottis,which is covered by a cartilaginous flap called the epiglottis to prevent food entry during swallowing. It contains vocal cords for sound production.
$(4)$ Trachea: $A$ straight tube,$12.5 \ cm$ long and $2.5 \ cm$ in diameter. It extends to the mid-thoracic cavity and divides at the level of the $5^{th}$ thoracic vertebra into right and left primary bronchi. It is supported by '$C$'-shaped cartilaginous rings.
$(5)$ Bronchi and Bronchioles: The primary bronchi branch into secondary and tertiary bronchi,which further divide into bronchioles,eventually leading to alveoli. This network is called the bronchial tree.
$(6)$ Lungs: $A$ pair of cone-shaped organs in the thoracic cavity,protected by the rib cage and diaphragm.
| Feature | Right Lung | Left Lung |
| Size | Thick,short,heavy | Thin,narrow,long,light |
| Lobes | Three lobes | Two lobes |
| Aortic arch | Absent | Present |
Internal Structure: Lungs are covered by a double-layered pleural membrane with pleural fluid in between to reduce friction. The system is divided into the conducting part (nostrils to terminal bronchioles) and the respiratory/exchange part (alveoli and their ducts). The thoracic chamber is an air-tight space formed by the vertebral column,sternum,ribs,and diaphragm,allowing for breathing through volume changes.