Respirationssystems

Respirationssystems, a term sometimes used to refer to the respiratory systems of living organisms as well as artificial devices that support breathing, encompasses biological gas-exchange structures as well as medical technologies that maintain ventilation and oxygenation.

In humans and many vertebrates, the respiratory system includes the nasal passages or mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and the lungs with alveolar sacs. Ventilation is driven by diaphragmatic movement and intercostal muscles, producing pressure changes that draw air in and push it out. Gas exchange occurs as oxygen passes from the alveoli into the blood and carbon dioxide moves in the opposite direction. The nervous system and chemical sensors regulate breathing rate and depth to meet metabolic demands.

Across animals there are many gas-exchange strategies: gills in fish extract dissolved oxygen from water; amphibians may use skin and lungs; insects rely on a branching tracheal system; birds use a system of lungs and air sacs for efficient, unidirectional flow.

In clinical settings, respiratory support systems include oxygen therapy, noninvasive ventilation such as CPAP and BiPAP, and invasive ventilation via endotracheal tube or tracheostomy. Ventilators control rate, volume, and pressure, and are used in critical care, anesthesia, and during severe respiratory failure. Monitoring includes pulse oximetry and capnography; humidification and infection control are important considerations.

Engineering and equipment for environments like submarines, spaceflight, or diving also implement specialized respiration systems to supply breathable air and remove CO2, often with redundancy and fail-safe features.