Environmental Effects on Body Systems

Question 1

Define altitude

Answer 1

The height or elevation of an area above sea level

Question 2

What happens to barometric pressure and therefore partial pressure of oxygen as altitude increases?

Answer 2

Barometric pressure decreases so partial pressure of oxygen decreases, which has a severe impact on performance

Question 3

Diffusion

Answer 3

The movement of gas down a gradient from an area of high concentration/ pressure to low concentration/pressure

Question 4

What happens to the rate of oxygen diffusion when an athlete competes at high altitude and how does this affect aerobic energy production?

Answer 4

The rate of diffusion decreases which reduces haemoglobin saturation which results in poor