An average person takes approximately 22,000 breaths per day, exchanging around 11,000 liters of air, making the respiratory system an essential part of our body. It has many components, including the lungs, trachea, and diaphragm, which work together to facilitate breathing. Here are 5 interesting facts about this important system:
1. Chest movement which occurs when we breathe is not because of the air.
Yes, you read that right! When we inhale, the chest expands, and when we exhale, the chest contracts, but this is not due to the air itself. The diaphragm, a muscle located between the lungs and the abdominal cavity, plays a key role. When we inhale, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing the size of the chest cavity. When we exhale, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward, reducing the size of the chest cavity.[1]
2. Left and right lungs are not the same.
Our body has many functions to do but very little space for each of the organ systems, so it has to make some adjustments to fit in all the organs. One of those organs is the lungs, the right lung is bigger and has three lobes while the left lung is smaller and has two lobes, this is to accommodate another important organ perhaps the most important organ, any guesses? YES! The heart [2]
3. The respiratory system is the biggest waste-removal engine.
The respiratory system of our body not only performs functions like breathing but also removes waste from the body. It does so by removing carbon dioxide from the blood. Carbon dioxide is the waste product that is formed by the cells of our body. It is transported to the lungs via blood and there carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen. [3]
4. The lungs are the only organ that can float on water.
The lungs contain thousands of tiny balloon-like structures called alveoli, which give them a sponge-like texture and lower their density. This allows the lungs to float on water, a property that doctors sometimes utilize for various tests during autopsies.[4]
5. Women and men have different respiratory rates.
Lung health metrics such as breathing rate and respiratory volumes differ between the sexes. Women tend to have a slightly faster breathing rate due to having slightly smaller lungs. Children, too, have a different breathing rate, which is higher compared to adults.
6. The average nose produces about a cupful of nasal mucus every day.
While nasal mucus may seem unpleasant, it plays an essential role in the respiratory system's defense mechanism. It filters the air we breathe, trapping dust, allergens, and microorganisms.[5]
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