The structure and function of the respiratory system is vital in terms of keeping one’s body healthy. Arguably, the respiratory system is one of the more important systems in the human body, because it allows breathing (the process of inhalation and expiration) to happen, thereby allowing bodily functions to happen. Although one doesn’t think about breathing to often; breathing in some circumstances is normally unconscious effort, it’s a joint accomplishment between the structures of various organs in the respiratory system to maximize efficiency, thereby health in the body.

Breathing is a combination of various structures, tissues, organs, around the thorax (a section of area between the neck and the abdomen), working harmoniously, and in conjunction …show more content…
Without it, it would be seemingly impossible live, nevertheless breathe in comfort. Cartilage is a connective tissue that has this unique property; it is flexible. It is also somewhat strong, however bones are stronger. Cartilage is used throughout the respiratory tract. Cartilage is used in the nose, in order to form the shape of the nose and house the mucus and hairs. In addition to that, cartilage is also used in the trachea, helping it to not collapse, since to make it structurally intact when one is breathing out (since there is a temporary absence of air). The larynx (also known as the voice box or adam’s apple) is made out of cartilage in order to control the flow of air. The epiglottis is made out of cartilage (the epiglottis is a flap that separates the esophagus and the trachea, in order to prevent food from going down the trachea). If the epiglottis is not made out of cartilage; instead made out of bones, it would be uncomfortable and would break easily. If the entire respiratory tract was made out of bones, it would be uncomfortable to move one’s neck since bones are hard and susceptible to