respiratory system

noun

Definition of respiratory system

: a system of organs functioning in respiration and in humans consisting especially of the nose, nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs

Illustration of respiratory system

Illustration of respiratory system

respiratory system: 1 nostril, 2 nose, 3 nasal cavity, 4 nasopharynx, 5 oropharynx, 6 larynx, 7 trachea, 8 bronchus, 9 lung

Examples of respiratory system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The toxin can also affect the respiratory system of animals, according to a City of Austin news release. Michelle Iracheta, Houston Chronicle, "Austin officials warn of blue-green algae in Lady Bird Lake that could kill dogs," 12 Aug. 2019 But a growing number of studies suggest that chemicals and flavorings in e-cigarettes may harm the body’s respiratory system and cells. Catherine Ho, SFChronicle.com, "Richmond moves toward e-cigarette ban; critic likens it to Quarter-Pounder ban," 24 July 2019 Heatwaves pose serious health risks and can cause cardiovascular and respiratory systems to fail, resulting in premature death, Clare Heaviside, of the University of Oxford's Environmental Change Institute (ECI), told CNN. Isabelle Gerretsen And Jessie Yeung, CNN, "Europe's heat wave is shattering temperature records and cities are struggling to cope," 25 July 2019 In fact, research suggests that 85 to 95 percent of acute bronchitis cases are caused by viruses that make their way into the respiratory system. Amy Marturana, SELF, "8 Bronchitis Symptoms Everyone Should Know," 28 Dec. 2018 People who had such diagnoses often came to the hospital for other ailments, including mental health disorders, diseases of the skin, respiratory system and digestive system, or a host of other medical conditions the commission did not enumerate. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, "Opioid-related ER visits decline in Mass. — but not everywhere," 26 June 2019 Santiago said that there is a possibility of dogs still showing some issues in their respiratory system. Molly Hudson, azcentral, "Maricopa County animal facility in Mesa extends quarantine another week," 13 June 2019 The turquoise is in your respiratory system now, working its mysterious crystal magic. Sarah Lazarus, The New Yorker, "Healing Crystals and How to Shoplift Them," 8 June 2019 Some venoms contain toxins, which destroy tissue or affect the respiratory system. Shelia Poole, ajc, "7 most common myths about snakes," 5 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'respiratory system.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of respiratory system

1888, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for respiratory system

respiratory system

noun

Kids Definition of respiratory system

: a system of the body used in breathing that in human beings consists of the nose, nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchial tubes, and lungs

respiratory system

noun

Medical Definition of respiratory system

: a system of organs functioning in respiration and consisting especially of the nose, nasal passages, nasopharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs

called also respiratory tract

— see lower respiratory tract, upper respiratory tract