Respiratory Revision

Question 1

Describe the pathway of a oxygen molecule starting with the nasal cavity

Answer 1

1- nasal cavity
2- pharynx
3- larynx
4- trachea
5- bronchus
6- bronchioles
7- alveoli

Question 2

What is the definition of partial pressure

Answer 2

The pressure exerted by an individual gas when it exists within a mixture of gases

Question 3

Define vital capacity

Answer 3

The largest amount of air that you can forcefully exhale after breathing in as deeply as you can

Question 4

Define total lung capacity

Answer 4

The volume of gas in the Lung at the end of a full inspiration

Question 5

Describe the mechanics of breathing during exercise

Answer 5

Stage 1 = muscle cell respiration increase, more o2 is used so increases co2 in the blood

Stage 2 = chemoreceptors detect rise in co2 sending signal to RCC, RCC sends sympathetic impulse to lungs to increase respiratory contraction

Stage 3 = breathing rate and volume of air per breath increases. More gaseous exchange takes place
- sympathetic impulse also sent to heart to increase blood flow to the lungs for gaseous exchange

Stage 4 = more oxygenated blood is delivered to the working muscles and more co2 is removed

Question 6

Explain the role of adrenaline in breathing rate during exercise

Answer 6

Adrenaline is released by the adrenal gland

Adrenaline is released in response to exercise

Just before exercise the brain sends a signal to the adrenal gland which pumps adrenaline into the blood in anticipation for a increased demand for gaseous exchange

As a result breathing rate increases

Question 7

Name and describe three physiological benefits of aerobic training on the respiratory system

Answer 7

1 - increased surface area of alveoli allowing more oxygen to diffuse into the blood and more co2 to be trapped in the alveoli

2 - increased capillarisation around the alveoli and the muscles to allow for more effective gaseous exchange

3 - strengthening of the respiratory muscles such as intercostals and diaphragm

Question 8

Name and describe some of the poor lifestyle choices that affect the respiratory system

Answer 8

Smoking = decreases the efficiency of the respiratory system to deliver o2 to the muscles

• carbon monoxide reduces the amount of o2 absorbed by the blood
  Haemoglobin has a greater affinity with co2 rather than o2
• tar built up in the in the lungs, blocks the air ways and inhibits gaseous exchange
• narrowing of the airways increases respiratory resistance
• increased likelihood of respiratory diseases