respiratory system

noun

: 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

• 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 researchers also studied the chemical composition of the particles and used simulation models to assess how inhaled UFPs travel through the respiratory system. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025

Chemoreceptors are sensory cells that detect changes in the composition of your blood and send information to your brain to keep your cardiovascular and respiratory systems balanced. —Julia Daye, Popular Science, 3 Dec. 2025

Natural ingredients lack the effectiveness of synthetic ingredients but are less likely to irritate the skin or respiratory system. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2025

Wear protective gear, such as gloves and a mask, to protect your skin and respiratory system. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for respiratory system

• cryptosystem
• ecosystem
• intersystem
• multisystem
• photosystem
• subsystem

Kids Definition

respiratory system

noun

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

Medical Definition

respiratory system

noun

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