Anatomy of Your Child’s Respiratory System

The respiratory system carries air into and out of the lungs. When your child breathes in, oxygen-rich air flows into the lungs. This oxygen is sent to all the body’s cells to use for energy and growth. When your child breathes out, waste gases flow out.

How Breathing Works

Parts of the Respiratory System

A child’s respiratory system is similar to an adult’s. However, some structures differ in size or position. For example, an infant’s tongue takes up more space in the mouth than an adult’s. And an infant’s larynx is located in a higher position in the neck than it is in an adult.

• The mouth and nose are the openings through which air enters and exits the body.

• Sinuses are air-filled chambers within the bones of the face. They help keep the nose moist and free of dust and bacteria.

• The pharynx  is the cavity behind the mouth.

• The larynx is the upper part of the windpipe, which contains the vocal cords.

• The windpipe (trachea) provides a pathway for air to enter and exit the lungs.

• The lungs are a pair of organs made of spongy tissue. They have five sections, or “lobes,” three in the right lung and two in the left. The lungs allow the body to receive oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide.

• Bronchioles (airways) are stretchy “branches” that transport air throughout the lungs. Bands of muscles surround each bronchiole. Bronchioles get smaller as they go deeper into the lungs.

• Alveoli are clusters of balloon-like air sacs at the ends of the airways.

• Blood vessels are tubes that carry blood to the lungs and throughout the body. Tiny blood vessels surround the air sacs, allowing an exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

• The pleural space is an area between the lungs and chest wall, lined on both sides by tissue called pleura.

• The diaphragm is a muscle in the abdomen that helps with breathing.

• Mucus is a sticky substance made by cells in the lining of the airways. It traps dust, smoke, and other particles from air breathed in.

• Cilia are tiny hairs on the cells of the airway lining. They sweep mucus up the airways and to the throat. Here, mucus gets swallowed or coughed out.