Understand the respiratory system in relation to exercise and physical activity Flashcards
What are the two main functions of the respiratory system?
Pulmonary ventilation and Gaseous Exchange
Pulmonary ventilation refers to the process of breathing in and out, while gaseous exchange includes external and internal respiration.
What is pulmonary ventilation?
The inspiration and expiration of air (breathing in and out)
This process involves the movement of air into and out of the lungs.
What is external respiration?
The movement of oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide into the lungs
This process occurs in the alveoli where gas exchange takes place.
What is internal respiration?
The release of oxygen to the muscles and the collection of waste products
This process occurs at the cellular level where oxygen is utilized for metabolism.
What are the main components of the respiratory system?
- Nose
- Airways
- Lungs
- Respiratory muscles
These components work together to facilitate breathing and gas exchange.
What is the function of the mucous and blood capillaries in the nose?
They moisten and warm the air
This helps to prepare the air for the lungs and protects against irritation.
What is the role of the pharynx in the respiratory system?
Connects the nasal and oral cavities, allowing air movement to the larynx
The pharynx serves as a pathway for air during breathing.
What is the function of the epiglottis?
Prevents entry of food into the trachea
This structure ensures that food does not enter the airway during swallowing.
What is the trachea also known as?
Windpipe
It is approximately 10 cm in length and directs air into the right and left bronchi.
What is the structure of the trachea?
Made up of 18 horse shoe ring-shaped pieces of cartilage and lined by mucous
The cartilage maintains the trachea’s shape while the mucous protects against dust.
What are bronchi and bronchioles?
The trachea divides into right and left bronchi, which further subdivide into bronchioles
These structures enable air passage into the alveoli.
What is the primary function of the alveoli?
Gas exchange between the lungs and blood
Alveoli have thin walls and a dense capillary network to facilitate this process.
What are the characteristics of alveoli?
- Thin walls made up of epithelial cells
- Lined with a thin film of water
- Surrounded by a dense capillary network
- Approx 150 million alveoli in each lung
- Contain elastic fibres
These features enhance gas exchange efficiency.
What is pulmonary diffusion?
The process that takes place in the alveoli for gas exchange
This is where oxygen is absorbed into the blood and carbon dioxide is released.
What are the two phases of pulmonary ventilation?
- Inspiration
- Expiration
These phases describe the flow of air into and out of the lungs.
What happens during inspiration?
Air flows into the lungs
This process is initiated by the contraction of the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles.
What happens during expiration?
Gases exit the lungs
This process is primarily passive and depends on the elasticity of the lungs.
What is an active process in respiration?
Any process that requires energy to achieve the required outcome
Inspiration is considered an active process due to muscle contraction.
Describe the mechanics of inspiration at rest.
Diaphragm and external intercostals contracts lifting the ribcage up and out, increasing thoracic cavity size, decreasing lung pressure, and allowing air to rush in
This process is energy-dependent.
Describe the mechanics of expiration at rest.
Passive process where the diaphragm relaxes, rib cage moves down and in, thoracic cavity size decreases, and air is forced out
This process does not require energy.
What muscles aid inspiration during exercise?
- Pectoralis Minor
- Sternocleidomastoid
- External Intercostal Muscles
- Diaphragm
These muscles contract to further increase thoracic cavity size during exercise.
What muscles aid expiration during exercise?
- Rectus Abdominus
- Internal Intercostal Muscles
These muscles contract to expedite the expiration process.
What adaptations occur in breathing during exercise?
We breathe faster and deeper
This is necessary to meet increased oxygen demands of the muscles.
What happens to inspirstion during exercise?
- Sternocleidomastoid, scalene and pectoralis minor are recruited and contract to pull the rib cage up and out more.
- The diaphragm contracts and flattens more and with more force.
- Therefore the size of the thoracic cavity increases more.
- The pressure in the lungs decreases more
- MORE air rushes in
