Question

Both the respiratory and circulatory system show a high degree of branching. Provide ONE (1) reason why this branching is necessary for the proper functioning of each of these two organ systems.

Answer 1

The circulatory system carries blood, which serves to transfer oxygen, chemical energy, and nutrients to nearly all the living cells in the body while carrying away carbon dioxide and other waste products.

The respiratory system is made up of living cells, which must be supplied by the circulatory system. At the same time, the respiratory system is the main interface where the circulatory system gains oxygen and eliminates carbon dioxide. The main cellular level interface occurs within the lung tissue, where aveoli membranes covered with pulmonary capillaries perform the actual molecular exchange of gases. But the entire respiratory tract is necessary to keep damaging airborne particles out of the aveoli while facilitating a sufficient flow of fresh air. The functions of the respiratory tract cannot be maintained if the living cells composing it are not constantly nourished by the circulatory system.

So the respiratory system (in common with many vital organs) has a duel relationship with the circulatory system, it is both a client and it is a provider.