Environmental Effects on Body Systems

Question 1

what is the effect of altitude on cardiovascular and respiratory systems

Answer 1

as altitude increases, biometric pressure decreases. The composition if the air is the same but the ppO2 decreases

Question 2

describe the acute effects of altitude on body systems

Answer 2

• decreased PO2 in alveolar air
• decreased diffusion gradient to capillary blood
• decreased haemoglobin and O2 association
• decreased O2 transportation to muscle tissue
• decreased diffusion gradient to muscle tissue
• decreased O2 supply for aerobic energy production
• increased breathing frequency and increased heart rate
• decreased VO2max

Question 3

describe the benefits of acclimatisation for the cardiovascular and respiratory system

Answer 3

• release erythroprotein, which increases red blood cell production
• breathing rate and ventilation stabilise, however remain elevated at rest and during exercise when compared with sea level
• stroke volume and cardiac output reduce as oxygen extraction becomes more efficient
• there is reduced incidence if altitude sickness, headaches, breathlessness, poor sleep and lack of appetite