Physiology of cardiorespiratory system Flashcards
Which molecules get turned into ATP? What does ATP stand for and what are the molecules used for each system that produces ATP?
Carbohydrates and Fats, ATP is adenosine triphosphate. The 3 systems include the phosphagen system, aerobic, and anaerobic. The aerobic system utilises fats and carbs as fuel while the anaerobic system only uses glucose/glycogen. The phosphagen system utilises creatine phosphate.
Why is it important to maintain adequate ventilation during heavy lifting/ exercise? What will happen if it is inadequate?
The ventilation is referred to as tidal volume which is the depth of the breath taken. This needs to be adequate so that gas exchanges that occur in the alveoli of the lungs can be done efficiently. If this does not occur, oxygen in alveoli becomes too low and there will be a high concentration of carbon dioxide in blood. Our brain is very sensitive to CO2 concentration in blood and the individual will feel a sudden need to stop exercising.
What are some conditions that affect pulmonary ventilation? Describe briefly what pulmonary ventilation is.
Pulmonary ventilation functions as the rate of depth of breathing that occurs in the lungs. Emphysema is the degradation of the alveoli and asthma is the constriction of blood passage that prevents enough air from aerating the alveoli. Both of these conditions cause the blood to leave lungs with insufficient oxygen which will also diminish exercise performance.
What is haemoglobin? What is the function and conditions that affect haemoglobin?
Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that specifically bonds with oxygen molecules. It is haemoglobin that transports oxygen in red blood cells to other parts of the body. Anaemia refers to low levels of haemoglobin and the individual is unable to carry as much oxygen in the blood, anemia can be recognised when haemoglobin levels are <12Hb/100ml of blood.
What is the most important factor in cardiorespiratory endurance? What is the formula for this factor and how is this factor increased?
The most important factor is the amount of blood delivered to active cells. The formula is HR x SV(Heart rate x Stroke Volume) which essentially means the amount of blood pumped per minute. The increase of cardiac output is directly related to the increase in its elements. HR linearly increases until maximal levels while SV increases from contractile of the heart which is measured by ejection fraction(% amt of blood produced per heartbeat). During rest ejection fraction is about 50-60% while during exercise it is about 60-80%.
What is the amount of oxygen extraction dependent on? How do you improve oxygen extraction?
It depends on the muscle fibre type and the availability of oxidative enzymes. Slow-twitch muscle fibers have more mitochondria and hence have more oxidative enzymes. Training increases the no. and size of mitochondria which leads to an increase in oxidative enzymes, resulting in increased cardiorespiratory endurance.
What are the simplest forms of the molecules in the foods we eat? Where do these go and what happens if they are in excess?
The simplest forms of carbohydrates, fats and protein are glucose, fatty acids and amino acids respectively. These simplest forms are absorbed into the blood and are transported to metabolic pathways or stored for later use. For example, excess glucose is stored as glycogen in our livers and muscles or is converted into fats and stored in adipose tissue as body fats, this goes the same for fatty acids.
Majority of ATP production is synthesized from food.
What is the least used molecule in the production of ATP? If it does not help assist in ATP production, then what does it do?
Amino acids are used for the growth and repair of cellular structures or excreted as waste products. It can also be converted to glucose during starvation states.
