respiratory tract

The respiratory tract is the network of organs responsible for breathing, allowing your body to take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. It starts with your nose or mouth, where air enters, then passes through the throat and windpipe (trachea). The air moves into the lungs, where oxygen is transferred into your blood and carbon dioxide is expelled. The respiratory system also includes tiny air sacs called alveoli, and helps filter, warm, and humidify the air you breathe. This system is essential for sustaining life by supporting cellular processes through oxygen delivery.