Comparative Structure of the Respiratory Tract: Airway Architecture in Humans and Animals

摘要: The mammalian respiratory system is a structurally complex arrangement of organs designed principally for the intake oxygen and elimination carbon dioxide (i.e., respiration). Though its main function gas exchange, composed specialized tissues cells that have other important functions such as production proteins lipids, activation inactivation hormones, metabolism xenobiotic compounds entering body through inhalation or routes. Another defense against inhaled infectious (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi) non-infectious agents respirable dusts gaseous air pollutants). tract comprises largest mucosal surface with an internal area 25 times greater than external covered by skin. In contrast to mucosa-lined alimentary reproductive), are only periodically exposed environment, constantly being large amounts air. An adult human at rest takes in 10,000-15,000 L ambient nasal passages each day. Therefore serves interface between environment host plays crucial role maintaining immune status body.