: 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
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Birds have delicate respiratory systems that can be disrupted by strong chemicals.—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026 Always wear a face mask to prevent fine ash particles from entering your respiratory system.—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026 If left untreated, hypothermia can cause heart and respiratory system failure, and eventually death.—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 26 Jan. 2026 Eventually, the cardiac and respiratory systems could fail and lead to death.—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for respiratory system
: 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