Respiratory System Flashcards
Define the term tidal volume
The volume of air breathed in or out per breath
Describe and explain how expiratory reserve volume and residual volume change during exercise
E.R.V. = decreases due to increase in tidal volume
Residual volume = stays the same otherwise the lungs would be at risk of collapsing
Define inspiratory reserve volume
Volume of air forcibly inspired after a normal breath in
Describe the process of gaseous exchange at the muscle
Oxygen diffuses from capillary to muscle cells + carbon dioxide diffuses from muscle cells to capillary
Oxygen / Carbon dioxide move from an area of higher partial pressure to an area of lower partial pressure
Myoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen than haemoglobin
Describe oxygen and carbon dioxide move between the blood and the lungs
Oxygen diffuses out of the alveoli until the blood pressure is equal to the alveoli
Carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood back into the alveoli
How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system differ in preparing the body for exercise?
Sympathetic increases breathing rate
Parasympathetic decreases breathing rate
What chemical changes occur during exercise that increases breathing rate?
Increasing carbon dioxide levels / blood acidity
Detected by chemoreceptors
Impulse sent to medulla oblongata
Activation of sympathetic nerve
State the effects of smoking on the respiratory system
Damaged cilia
Damaged alveoli
Carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin rather than oxygen
Explain how smoking impacts the performance of a runner during a marathon
Reduced oxygen being transported to the muscles
Decreases athlete’s ability to work aerobically
This means they fatigue quicker, resulting in a slower time
Define minute ventilation
Volume of air breathed in or out per minute
How do the proprioceptors and baroreceptors regulate pulmonary ventilation?
Proprioceptors detect an increase in muscle movement which is sent to the respiratory centre
Baroreceptors detect a decrease in blood pressure in the aorta and carotid arteries, resulting in an increase in breathing rate
