What is one of the major components of the respiratory system?

The lungs are a major component of the respiratory system because they are the primary organs responsible for gas exchange, which is vital for breathing. Within the lungs, oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide is expelled from the blood to be exhaled. This process occurs in the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs within the lungs where this exchange takes place.

While the diaphragm and trachea are important aspects of the respiratory system, they serve supporting roles. The diaphragm is a muscle that facilitates breathing by contracting and relaxing to allow air to move in and out of the lungs. The trachea, on the other hand, is the windpipe that serves as a conduit for air to travel into the lungs. The heart, while essential for circulatory function and supplying oxygenated blood throughout the body, is not a component of the respiratory system per se. Thus, the lungs stand out as the core organs directly involved in the primary function of respiration.