Respiratory System

12.0 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Review When an animal breathes, air enters its mouth or nose. Oxygen, one of the gases in air, is essential for life. The body gets its energy from the nutrients in food, but needs oxygen in order to do this.

From the nose to the lungs, the respiratory system provides the passageway that allows oxygen and other gases to enter the body. After oxygen reaches the lungs, it moves inside red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen to every part of the body, which uses the oxygen and produces carbon dioxide (“used” gases). “Used” gases are then transported by red blood cells back to lungs. When the animal breathes-out, the “used” gases are then sent outside the body.

Function of Respiratory System -Brings fresh air (oxygen) to body -Removes used air (carbon dioxide) from body -Keeps the body cool When it is too hot, the body also cools itself by using the respiratory system. Even if an animal, like a working oxen or a sow, is not sweating much, it can cool itself by giving off warm air as it breathes. This is why animals breathe faster, or with their mouths open, when the weather is too hot, or when they have a fever.

Most Common Problems of the Respiratory System -throat infections -lung infections -chronic lung damage -poisoning -allergic reactions Any part of the respiratory system, from the nose to the lungs, can be affected by various disease conditions. This chapter will consider only the most common respiratory problems affecting livestock.