1.2 Respiratory system
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Explain the term ‘respiration’
Taking in of oxygen and removal of CO2
Identify the pathway air travels when inhaled
Air drawn into the body through the nose, pharynx, larynx, down the trachea, and into left and right bronchus and finally the alveoli.
Describe the structure of an alveoli
Alveoli is designed for gaseous exchange, therefore: • Walls are one cell thick = short diffusion pathway • Extensive capillary network = good blood flow • Large surface area = greater uptake of oxygen BOG = Big sa, One cell thick, Good blood supply
Explain what is meant by ‘diffusion’
The movement of gas molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration.
Explain what is meant by the term ‘gaseous exchange’
The movement of oxygen from air into the lungs so it can diffuse into the blood and be transported. The removal of CO2 from the blood so it can diffuse into the lungs and be expired.
Air is a mixture of gases. Air will always move from an area of high to low concentration via diffusion. The greater the concentration gradient the faster air will flow. For inspiration, the pressure needs to be lower in the lungs than in the atmosphere. For expiration, the air pressure needs to be higher in the lungs than the atmosphere.
Air is a mixture of gases. Air will always move from an area of high to low concentration via diffusion. The greater the concentration gradient the faster air will flow. For inspiration, the pressure needs to be lower in the lungs than in the atmosphere. For expiration, the air pressure needs to be higher in the lungs than the atmosphere.
At rest, approximately how many litres of air is inspired and expired per breath
0.5 litres
Explain the term ‘Tidal volume’
The volume of air inspired or expired per breath
Explain what is meant by Inspiratory and Expiratory reserve volume (IRV & ERV)
IRV: volume of air forcibly inspired after normal breath ERV: volume of air forcibly expired after normal breath
Explain the term ‘residual volume’ and identify its importance
Residual volume is the volume of air that remains in the lungs after maximal expiration. We can never totally empty our lungs when we exhale as air is needed to prevent the lung from collapsing.
Explain the term ‘minute ventilation’
The volume of air inhaled/exhaled per minute.
What is used to measure the volume of air an individual breaths in and out?
Spirometer
How could diffusion occur at a faster rate?
The steeper the concentration gradient (difference between concentration gradient at high and low areas) the faster diffusion occurs.
What is meant by the term pulmonary ventilation?
Breathing
What factors are involved when it comes to regulating pulmonary ventilation during exercise?
Neural control (brain + nervous system) Chemical control Hormonal control
How do poor lifestyle choices natively impact the respiratory system?
Smoking causes irritation of the trachea and bronchi. Causes breathlessness due to swelling and narrowing of the lungs airway. Mucus builds up due to damaging of cilia resulting in smokers cough. Damage alveoli and reduce efficiency of gaseous exchange.
Describe the function of the ‘Cilia’?
Hair like protection to sweep away particles in the lungs
Identify what controls breathing and state its location
Respiratory control centre in the Medulla Oblongata
Describe the process of inspiration
The intercostal muscles contract, raising the ribs up and outwards, while the diaphragm is forced downwards.
Describe the process of expiration
Diaphragm extends upwards and ribs collapse
Identify what the body requires to produce energy?
The body requires a continuous supply of oxygen to produce energy. Oxygen is used to break down food to release energy. Carbon dioxide is produced as a waste product which the body needs to remove.
Identify how lung volumes change during exercise
Lung volumes during exercise: Tidal volume + increase Minute ventilation + increase IRV - decrease ERV - decrease Residual volume = stays the same
Briefly explain the pathway taken by oxygen and CO2 during diffusion
Oxygen: alveoli, blood, muscles CO2: muscles, blood, alveoli (Reverse order)
What percentage of oxygen makes up air?
21% of oxygen makes up air