Respiratory System Flashcards
Tidal Volume
-Volume of air inspired/expired per breath
-Increases during exercise (5-9 times)
-Average male is 500ml
Breathing Rate
-Number of breaths per minute
-Typical rate is 12-20 breaths per minute (at rest)
Minute Ventilation
-Amount of air a person breaths in a minute
Minute Ventilation= Tidal Volume x Respiratory Rate
Main Functions of Respiratory System
1) To ensure oxygen is brought into the body
2) To ensure carbon dioxide is removed from the body
Process of Gaseous Exchange at Alveoli
1) You breathe in, alveoli is filled with air
2) The O2 will diffuse into bloodstream into capillaries
3) O2 combines with RBCs to form oxyhemoglobin
4) The same haemoglobin transports CO2 back from tissues to lungs (diffusion)
Inspiration
1) Intercostal muscles contract, lifting ribs and expanding chest
2) Diaphragm contracts, it pulls down and flattens rib cage
3) The lungs increase in size as the chest expands
4) The pressure inside the lungs falls as they expand, higher air pressure outside means air is sucked in through the nose and mouth
Expiration
1) Intercostal muscles relax, ribs move downwards and inwards (chest gets smaller)
2) Diaphragm relaxes, it’s pushed back into a domed position by organs underneath
3) Lungs decrease in size as chest gets smaller, they’re squeezed by ribs + diaphragm
4) Pressure inside lungs decreases as they get smaller, air pressure is lower outside than in the lungs so air is forced out through the nose and mouth
Aerobic Activity (respiration)
-Working with oxygen but doesn’t overwhelm the body
-Working muscles are provided with oxygen to release energy
Glucose —> Energy + CO2 + Water
Anaerobic Activity (respiration)
-Not possible to provide muscles with oxygen
-Work anaerobically and repay oxygen debt once exercise is finished
-Short + sharp movements (eg. 100m, shot put)
Glucose —> Energy + Lactic Acid
