Unit 1 - Anatomy and physiology for health and exercise - The respiratory system

Question 1

What is the respiratory system’s primary function?

Answer 1

To allow the efficient exchange of gases into and out of the body.

It is the interface between the external environment and the bloodstream.

Question 2

Name the route of oxygen intake. Remember the mnemonic!

Answer 2

pharynx

larynx

trachea

bronchi

bronchioles

alveoli

(Please leave the Bacardi breezers alone)

Question 3

What is the pharynx?

Answer 3

The back of the throat - extends from a region level with the nose down to the larynx.

Question 4

What is the larynx?

Answer 4

The voice box - a relatively short passage which is lined with a series of cartilaginous folds. The innermost of the folds (true vocal cords) vibrate to produce speech.

Question 5

Where is the trachea located?

Answer 5

Just below the level of the Adam’s apple.

Question 6

Where are the alveoli situated?

Answer 6

At the ends of the terminal bronchioles.

Question 7

What are alveoli?

Answer 7

Alveoli are tiny air sacs in your lungs that take up the oxygen you breathe in and keep your body going. Although they’re microscopic, alveoli are the workhorses of your respiratory system.

You have about 480 million alveoli, located at the end of bronchial tubes.

When you breathe in, the alveoli expand to take in oxygen.

When you breathe out, the alveoli shrink to expel carbon dioxide.

Question 8

What are capillaries?

Answer 8

• Capillaries are very tiny blood vessels
• Capillaries connect the arterial system — which includes the blood vessels that carry blood away from your heart — to your venous system. Your venous system includes the blood vessels that carry blood back to your heart.
• The exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste between your blood and tissues also happens in your capillaries.

Question 9

What are the mechanics of inhalation and exhalation?

Answer 9

During inhalation, the diaphragm is contracted which increases the volume of the lung cavity.

The primary musculature involved in inspiration is the diaphragm and intercostals muscles.

During exhalation, the diaphragm is relaxed which decreases the volume of the lung cavity.

Question 10

What controls the regulation of breathing?

Answer 10

Regulation of breathing is controlled by the respiratory centre of the central nervous system (the medulla and the pons).

This region sets the basic rhythm for breathing and coordinates the transition from inspiration to expiration.

Question 11

What are the short term effects of cigarettes on the respiratory system?

Answer 11

• Reflexive narrowing of the airways
• Increase in resistance to airflow - may significantly inhibit vigorous exercise performance
• The build-up of irritants causing increase mucus secretion and swelling of the cells lining the airways
• The presence of carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke further restricts performance by reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the red blood cells
• Inhibits the natural “cleansing” activities of the lungs, causing debris and mucus to accumulate

Question 12

What are the long term effects of cigarettes?

Answer 12

• Leads to a destruction of the elastic fibres of the lungs
• Leads to the collapse of the terminal bronchioles and alveoli
• Emphysema may develop in which exhalation becomes difficult due to the loss of the elasticity of the lungs - this represents a major limit to physical activity