1. What role does the diaphragm play in breathing?

The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle below the lungs.

When you inhale, it contracts and moves downward. This creates more space in the chest cavity, and the lungs expand to take in air.

When you exhale, it relaxes and moves upward, helping push air out of the lungs.

It acts like a natural pump for bre

athing.

2. How do the lungs filter out harmful particles from the air?

The lungs have several defense systems:

Nasal hairs and mucus trap large particles when air enters through the nose.

Cilia, tiny hair-like structures lining the airways, move mucus and trapped particles upward so they can be coughed or sneezed out.

Immune cells, like macrophages, attack and destroy harmful bacteria and particles deep in the lungs.

3. What is the connection between the respiratory system and the circulatory system?

The respiratory and circulatory systems work closely together to deliver oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.

The lungs bring oxygen into the body.

This oxygen passes into the blood through tiny air sacs called alveoli.

The heart then pumps this oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

At the same time, carbon dioxide from the blood is sent to the lungs to be exhaled.

4. How does deep breathing impact mental health and stress levels?

Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm the body.

It lowers heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and helps you feel more relaxed.

It can reduce stress hormones like cortisol.

Regular deep breathing is often used in relaxation techniques and can improve focus, sleep, and mood.

5. What are the effects of air pollution on lung health?

Air pollution contains harmful substances like dust, smoke, and chemicals.

These particles can irritate and damage the lungs.

Long-term exposure increases the risk of asthma, bronchitis, lung infections, and even lung cancer.

Children and elderly people are more sensitive to pollution’s

effects

6. How do respiratory diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis affect lung function?

Pneumonia causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid or pus, making it hard for oxygen to pass into the blood. This leads to shortness of breath, cough, and fever.

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacteria that forms hard lumps or cavities in the lungs. It damages lung tissue, reducing lung function and making breathing difficult.

Both diseases can become serious if not treated properly.