Respiratory System

Respiratory System is a presentation of the human respiratory system although many of the details are transferrable to other animals as well. It begins with an examination of the structures and functions involved with external respiration across the surface of alveoli before it considers the mechanics of breathing and how inhaled air is conditioned before it arrives at the alveoli. The unit then considers in detail the processes and chemistry of gas exchange and the forces that drive these exchanges both at the lung tissue and in capillary-tissue beds. The unit is supported by original artwork and labeled diagrams and contains many questions such as short answer and multiple choice that are linked to their answers for self-testing. It also includes sets of written answer questions to help build one’s understanding of the concepts presented. The unit features an interactive Glossary with hundreds of contextually explained terms.


Respiratory System is extracted from Biology 12 Study Guide, which is the sixth edition of a student study guide written to match the curriculum of British Columbia. The concepts presented are applicable to the biology curricula of other educational jurisdictions as well.