Osmosis video - Development of the respiratory system

The respiratory system develops during week 4 of gestation, where it is initially with a primitive gut tube, which later becomes the gastrointestinal system. At around week 4, the respiratory diverticulum detaches as an outpocketing on the proximal part of the primitive gut tube.

A longitudinal ridge called the tracheoesophageal septum forms between the gut tube and the respiratory diverticulum, becoming two separate structures. The respiratory diverticulum later gives lung buds, from which the lungs and trachea develop. The larynx arises from the fourth and sixth pharyngeal arches around week 12.