The Respiratory System

Question 1

What is the structure of the Respiratory System?

Answer 1

TRACHEA -> BRONCHI -> BRONCHIOLES -> ALVEOLI

1) Air passes through the nose or mouth and then on to the trachea.
2) The trachea splits into two tubes called bronchi ( each one is a ‘bronchus’) one going to each lung.
3) The bronchi split into progressively smaller tubes called bronchioles.
4) The bronchioles finally end at small bags called alveoli ( each one is an ‘alveolus’) where gases are exchanged

Question 2

How does the Diaphragm and Intercostal Muscles help air move in and out of the body?

Answer 2

• When you breathe in, the diaphragm and Intercostals contract to move the rib cage upwards and expand the chest cavity.
• When you breathe out, the diaphragm and intercostals relax, moving the rib cage down and shrinking the chest cavity. This forces air back out of the lungs the same way it came in.

Question 3

How is Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide exchanged in the alveoli?

Answer 3

1) Oxygenated blood delivers oxygen and collects carbon dioxide as it circulates around the body. Deoxygenated blood returns to the heart and is then pumped to the lungs.
2) In the lungs, carbon dioxide moves from the blood in the capillaries into the alveoli so it can be breathed out.
3) Oxygen from the air you breathe into the lungs moves across from the alveoli to the red blood cells in the capillaries.
4) The oxygenated blood truths to the heart and is pumped to the rest of the body. The red blood cells carry the oxygen around the body and deliver where it’s needed, e.g. the muscles.

Question 4

Concentration of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in the Alveolus and Capillaries?

Answer 4

IN ALVEOLUS

• High concentration of oxygen, it then diffuses into the capillaries.
• Low concentration of carbon dioxide but carbon dioxide from capillaries diffuse in.

IN CAPILLARIES:

• Low concentration of Oxygen but it gets oxygen diffused in from the alveolus.
• High concentration of Carbon Dioxide but it diffuses into the alveolus.

Question 5

What is the percentage of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in Inhaled Air?

Answer 5

• Oxygen - 21%

- Carbon Dioxide - 0.04%

Question 6

What is the percentage of Oxygen and Carbon dioxide in exhaled air?

Answer 6

• Oxygen - 16%

- Carbon Dioxide - 4%

Question 7

What is the definition of Tidal Volume?

Answer 7

The amount of air you breathe in or out during one breath is known as your tidal volume.

Question 8

Why does your tidal volume increase during exercise?

Answer 8

• To bring in more oxygen, this helps to release extra energy in the muscles and remove lactic acid from them.
• To breathe out the extra Carbon Dioxide produced during aerobic activity.

Question 9

What is the definition of Vital Capacity?

Answer 9

Vital Capacity - the most air you could possibly breathe in after breathing out the largest volume of air you can.