Impacts of lifestyle on the respiratory system Flashcards
What two lifestyle factors affect the respiratory system?
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
What does a lack of exercise lead to?
- Reduced cardiovascular endurance
- Inefficient gaseous exchange
Why does a lack of exercise lead to inefficient gaseous exchange?
Due to a reduced number of alveoli
What are the 3 main things that smoking leads to?
- Damages the cilia
- Breaks down alveolar walls
- Oxygen transport affected
What is cilia?
Hair-like cells that brush mucus away
Why does the damage of cilia affect physical activity?
As the airway diameter is reduced, therefore a performer cant inspire as much oxygen.
Why does the break down of alveolar walls affect performance?
As it reduces the efficiency of gaseous exchange, as two air sacs may become one (reducing surface area)
Why is oxygen transport affected?
As the carbon monoxide inhaled from smoking combines witch haemoglobin in RBC’s more readily than oxygen. (no more seats in life boat)
So aerobic respiration is difficult to maintain.
What is the overall result of smoking?
Reduced stamina / cardio-respiratory endurance
