The Respiratory System

Question 1

What are the main functions of the respiratory system?

Answer 1

Gas exchange.
Acid-base balance.
Infection protection.
Communication via speech.

Question 2

Define internal and external respiration.

Answer 2

Internal - energy is released from glucose via glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation.

External - the movement of gases between the air and body cells, via the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Question 3

Define pulmonary and systemic circulation.

Answer 3

Pulmonary - CO2 to lungs, O2 from lungs.
Pulmonary artery - deoxygenated blood.
Pulmonary vein - oxygenated blood.

Systemic - O2 to tissues, CO2 from tissues.

Question 4

What does an increased energy demand cause?

Answer 4

Increased respiratory use.
Rate and depth of breathing.
O2 acquisition; CO2 disposal.

Increased cardiovascular use.
Heart rate and contraction force.
Substrate delivery; waste removal.

Question 5

Describe the steady state of the respiratory system.

Answer 5

Net volume of gas = net volume exchanged in the tissues.
This prevents gas build up in the circulation and ensures supply = demand.