Cardiorespiratory System

Question 1

What is ATP?

Answer 1

adenosine triphosphate - a molecule that carries energy. It is stored in limited quantities, body storing 80-100g which is enough power for maximal exercise for one second. It is in limited sources as it is a heavy molecule that would weigh us down otherwise.

Question 2

What is ADP?

Answer 2

adenosine diphosphate - used in metabolism and the energy flow of cells.

Question 3

What is the creatine kinase reaction?

Answer 3

It is the breakdown of phosphocreatine. It splits into phosphate and creatine. The phosphate is donated to ADP to form ATP, it only can generate one ADP. It is rapid and anaerobic. it would be used in a 5 second sprint.

Question 4

What is the glycolytic system?

Answer 4

This is the breakdown of glucose or glycogen (glycolysis). It occurs quickly and anaerobically and generates 2 ADP. It would be used in a 20 second sprint.

Question 5

What is oxidative phosphorylation?

Answer 5

This is the generation of ATP using fats, carbs or protein. It is slower but more effective. It would be used during a marathon.

Question 6

What is the Fick equation?

Answer 6

VO2 (oxygen uptake) = cardiac output x a-VO2difference (amount of oxygen in the blood that is extracted). At rest, VO2 is typically 250ml.

Question 7

What is VO2 max?

Answer 7

Maximal oxygen uptake.

Question 8

How does cardiac output affect VO2 max?

Answer 8

Stroke volume - ejection volume (how much the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction); and ventricular compliance, how stretchy it is to accommodate more blood.

Question 9

What is AVO2diff and how does it affect VO2 max?

Answer 9

a-VO2 difference - enhanced blood flow distribution. This includes changes in vascular function and capillary density which increase the SA node and therefore increase the rate of diffusion. Cardiac afterload and blood flow. Also, enhanced O2 extraction due to mitochondrial density and capillary density.

Question 10

What is the oxygen cascade?

Answer 10

Oxygen from the lungs diffuses into the blood and binds to the iron on haemoglobin. This blood is then pumped from the heart to peripheral tissue - and in here it diffuses into the mitochondria and undergoes one of the the creatine reaction to generate ATP.