For life-threatening medical emergencies, call 911 without delay. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for free and confidential crisis support.
When you breathe, the airway (respiratory) system supplies oxygen to your blood. Then your blood takes oxygen to all parts of the body.
The nose, mouth, throat (pharynx and larynx), and hollow spaces in the cheeks and around the eyes (sinuses) make up the upper respiratory tract. The trachea (windpipe), breathing tubes (bronchial tubes), bronchioles, and air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs make up the lower respiratory tract.
Current as of:
August 6, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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