Impact of Exercise on the Respiratory System

Question 1

What are the short term factors of exercise on the respiratory system?

Answer 1

• Increase the volume of air inspired/expired in one
  breath (tidal volume)/increased depth of breathing.
• Increase the frequency of breaths in one minute
• Increased minute ventilation
• Response to and in coordination with the CV system
  The respiratory system differs because we have
  some conscious control over it.

Question 2

What are the long term factors of exercise on the respiratory system?

Answer 2

• Increased number of capillaries around the alveoli
• Increased diameter of capillaries around the alveoli
• The diaphragm and intercostal muscles grow
  stronger enabling them to lift the rib cage higher
  allowing more air into the lungs.
• Muscles can contract with greater force increasing
  the pressure differences.

Question 3

What are the effects of warm-ups on the respiratory system?

Answer 3

• Increases breathing rate
• Increases blood flow and therefore O2 to working muscles
• Increases rate of diffusion by increasing concentration gradient

Question 4

What are the effects of cool down on the respiratory system?

Answer 4

• Maintains elevated ventilation rate
• Helps gradually lower your breathing rate
• Helps gradually lower tidal volume back to resting
  levels
• Helps to repay O2 debt/EPOC