The Respiratory System

Introduction

Welcome to the Respiratory System!

Breathing is easy to take for granted, but inside your body, the respiratory system is hard at work—bringing in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide. In this WebQuest, you’ll explore how your lungs, airways, and other structures function.

Get ready to discover the journey of every breath you take and see how your choices can impact your respiratory system!

Task

Your mission is to explore and understand the human respiratory system. By the end of this WebQuest, you will be able to:

  • Identify the major organs and structures of the respiratory system.

  • Explain the function of each part and how they work together to support breathing.

  • Describe the process of gas exchange and how oxygen and carbon dioxide move through the body.

  • Understand how the respiratory system interacts with other body systems to maintain life.

 

Follow these steps to explore and understand the respiratory system:

  1. Watch the Videos

    • Start by watching the assigned videos on the respiratory system.

    • Pay attention to the structure of the lungs, airways, and other organs, as well as how gas exchange occurs.

    • Take notes on important points to help with your summary and quizzes.

  2. Complete the Quizzes

    • After watching the videos, take the corresponding quizzes to check your understanding.

    • Quizzes will cover identifying organs, explaining their functions, and understanding the breathing process.

    • Use your notes to help answer the questions accurately.

  3. Create Your Summary

    • Using your notes, and the videos, create a summary of the respiratory system.

    • You can make a visual diagram showing the organs and their functions and a short written explanation describing how the respiratory system works.

    • Make sure your summary clearly shows the process of breathing and gas exchange.

  4. Submit Your Work

    • Submit your summary and quiz results according to your teacher’s instructions.

    • Review any feedback to improve your understanding of the respiratory system.

Process

https://youtu.be/v_j-LD2YEqg

https://youtu.be/bHZsvBdUC2I

https://youtu.be/Cqt4LjHnMEA

https://youtu.be/TgcyiVQnVBs

https://youtu.be/Nn4ke02sW8Q

I. Match the terms in column B to the descriptions in column A.

Column A

1. connects the larynx to the primary bronchi

2. site of tonsils

3. food passageway posterior to the trachea

4. covers the glottis during swallowing of food

5. contains the vocal cords

6. nerve that activates the diaphragm during inspiration

7. pleural layer lining the walls of the thorax

8. site from which oxygen enters the pulmonary blood

9. connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx

10. opening between the vocal folds

11. increases air turbulence in the nasal cavity

12. separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity

Column B

a. alveolus

b. bronchiole

c. conchae

d. epiglottis

e. esophagus

f. glottis

g. larynx

h. palate

i. pharyngotympanic tube

j. parietal pleura

k. pharynx

l. phrenic nerve

m. primary (main) bronchi

n. trachea

o. vagus nerve

p. visceral pleura



II. Answer the following questions:

1. Define the following terms.

a. external respiration:

b. internal respiration:

c. cellular respiration:



2. What is the a) significance of the fact that the human trachea is reinforced with cartilaginous rings?

.

b) Of the fact that the rings are incomplete posteriorly?



3. Trace a molecule of oxygen from the nostrils to the pulmonary capillaries of the lungs: Nostrils →

III. Essay and diagram:

Diagram

  • Draw a clear diagram of the respiratory system.

  • Label all major organs and structures (e.g., lungs, trachea, bronchi, alveoli).

  • Include a brief explanation of how air moves through the system and where gas exchange occurs.

  • Make sure your diagram is neat, organized, and easy to read.

Essay

  • Write a short essay (about 2–4 paragraphs) summarizing the respiratory system.

  • Include the main organs and structures and describe their functions.

  • Explain the process of gas exchange and how the respiratory system works to support life.

  • Use clear, complete sentences, and check your spelling and grammar.

Submission

  • Submit your completed diagram or essay along with your quiz results according to your teacher’s instructions.

Evaluation

Rubric for Diagram / Essay Summary

Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Needs Improvement (1)
Accuracy All information correct Most information correct Some information correct Mostly incorrect
Completeness Includes all major organs & processes Includes most organs & processes Includes some organs & processes Very few organs/processes
Clarity & Presentation Very clear, well-organized, neat Mostly clear and organized Somewhat clear or organized Unclear or messy
Understanding of Gas Exchange Clearly shows gas exchange process Mostly correct explanation Partial explanation Missing or incorrect explanation
Conclusion

You have successfully completed this WebQuest on the respiratory system. Throughout this lesson, you were able to identify the major organs of the respiratory system and explain their functions. You also learned how air moves through the respiratory tract and how gas exchange occurs to support life.

The respiratory system plays a vital role in supplying oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide. Gas exchange takes place in the alveoli, where oxygen enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is released. This system works closely with other body systems to ensure that oxygen is delivered efficiently throughout the body.

Take a moment to reflect on what you have learned by considering the following questions:

  • Which part of the respiratory system interested you the most, and why?

  • How does gas exchange help the body function properly?

  • Why is the respiratory system essential for survival?

Final Step:

Ensure that all required quizzes and your diagram or essay have been submitted according to the instructions. Be prepared to share your understanding during the next class discussion.

Well done on completing this lesson. Continue building on this knowledge as you explore more topics related to the human body.

Credits

  1. Amoeba Sisters. (2022). Respiratory System [Video]. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://youtu.be/v_j-LD2YEqg

  2. CrashCourse. (2015). Respiratory System, Part 1: Crash Course Anatomy & Physiology #31 [Video]. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://youtu.be/bHZsvBdUC2I

  3. CrashCourse. (2015). Respiratory System, Part 2: Crash Course Anatomy & Physiology #32 [Video]. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://youtu.be/Cqt4LjHnMEA

  4. ICU Advantage. (n.d.). The Respiratory System CRASH COURSE [Video]. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://youtu.be/TgcyiVQnVBs

  5. GCSE Biology. (n.d.). The Lungs & Gas Exchange [Video]. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://youtu.be/Nn4ke02sW8Q

Teacher Page

This WebQuest is facilitated by a Licensed Respiratory Therapist serving as a Special Lecturer. The instructor brings professional clinical experience and academic insight to support students’ understanding of the respiratory system.

The lesson is designed to present essential concepts in a clear and structured manner through guided learning materials and assessments. Its goal is to help students develop a solid foundation in respiratory system structure and function.

Euraigne Anne Colocado, MBA, RTRP