Unit 2: Exercise physiology Flashcards
Define the term pulmonary ventilation / breathing
Inflow and outflow of air between the atmosphere and the lungs
Define the term total lung capacity (TLC)
Volume of air in the lungs after a maximum inhalation
Define the term vital capacity (VC)
Maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation
Define the term tidal volume (TV)
Volume of air breathed in and out in any one breath
Define the term expiratory reserve volume (ERV)
Volume of air in excess of tidal volume that can be exhaled forcibly
Define the term inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)
Additional inspired air over and above tidal volume
Define the term residual volume (RV)
Volume of air still contained in the lungs after maximal exhalation
Outline and explain the functions of the conducting airways
- Low resistance pathway for airflow. → Due to the rings of the trachea, large diameter and smooth inner lining.
- Defense against chemicals and other harmful substances that are inhaled → Occurs in the nose and throat, where tiny hairs called cilia filter the air and trap particles that are present, stopping them from entering the lungs and causing infection.
- Warming and moistening the air → This occurs mainly in the nostrils.
Explain the mechanics of ventilation in the human lungs during inspiration
- The diaphragm contracts
- The external intercostal muscles and trapezius contract, pulling out
- The rib cage expands.
- This generates a decrease in the intrathoracic pressure, which allows for an increase in intrathoracic volume.
- Outside air flows in through the nasal cavity and the trachea.
- Air reaches the lungs.
Explain the mechanics of ventilation in the human lungs during expiration
- The diaphragm relaxes.
- The internal intercostal muscles and abdominus rectus contract, pulling down
- The rib cage contracts.
- This generates an increase in the intrathoracic pressure, which allows for a decrease in intrathoracic volume.
- Air comes out of the lungs.
What is inhalation?
Inflow of air
What is exhalation?
Outflow of air
Outline the role of hemoglobin in oxygen transportation
ROLE: The main role of hemoglobin is to carry 98.5% of the oxygen through the body.
WHY? Because oxygen is less soluble in the plasma, it attaches to hemoglobin, a complex protein, located inside a red blood cell. It binds to 4 molecules of oxygen when passing through the lung capillaries, and becomes oxyhemoglobin (HbO4)
What happens with the partial pressure in the alveoli during ventilation
The oxygen passes from a high partial pressure area (the alveoli) and diffuses into a low pressure area like the blood. While the carbon dioxide passes from a high partial pressure area (the capillary) into a low pressure area like the alveoli.
What is the purpose of heart chemoreceptors?
Specialized cells in charge of detecting changes in blood pH, so the body can maintain homeostasis for enzymes to work efficiently.
Which are the chemical factors that affect the nervous control of the ventilation rate?
Emotions, adrenaline, stress, drugs
State the composition of blood
55% of plasma
→ 98% water
→ 2% nutrients (hormones, gasses, electrolytes and waste products)
44% of erythrocytes
1% of leukocytes and platelets
What is the left ventricle in charge of?
- Rhythm of heart rate
- Increase STROKE VOLUME and CARDIAC OUTPUT
State some characteristics from the heart valves
- Barrier that prevents backflow, creates 1 direction system
- Sustained by papillary muscles and tendons that open and close during contraction and relaxation of ATRIA or VENTRICLES
- Allow chambers to fill before opening so that the most amount of blood can be pumped out efficiently
How does the heart receive its own blood supply?
Through the coronary arteries surrounding the organ tissue
What is heart rate?
Number of muscle contractions over a period of time, and it is measured in beats per minute (bpm)
What is the difference between the extrinsic and intrinsic control of the heart?
Extrinsic: everything that control HR outside the heart
Intrinsic: receptor that control HR inside the heart, heart produces its own electricity
What is an arrhythmia?
An inconsistent heart rhythm