The Respiratory System

Question 1

What happens to the intercostal muscles, ribs, diaphragm, volume of the lungs and pressure in the lungs during inhalation?

Answer 1

During inhalation, the intercostal muscles CONTRACT, which moves the ribs UP and OUT. At the same time, the diaphragm CONTRACTS and LOWERS. This causes the volume in the lungs to INCREASE and pressure in the lungs to REDUCE so that air rushes IN.

Question 2

What happens to the intercostal muscles, rib cage, diaphragm, volume of the lungs and pressure in the lungs during exhalation?

Answer 2

During exhalation, the ribcage LOWERS, the diaphragm RELAXES and returns to a DOME shape. This causes the volume of the lungs to DECREASE and pressure in the lungs to INCREASE so air is forced OUT of the lungs.

Question 3

Describe the process in which air enters the lungs.

Answer 3

-Air enters via the NASAL CAVITY / MOUTH where it is warmed and moistened.
-Air goes down the TRACHEA.
-Air arrives at two branches (left & right branch).
-From the BRONCHI it separates into the right or left LUNG.
-Continues down to smaller tubes called the BRONCHIOLES.
-Arrives in tiny air sacs called ALVEOLI.

Question 4

Name one feature to do with the structure of the alveoli involving capillaries.

Answer 4

Surrounded by capillaries so have a high blood supply.

Question 5

Name one feature to do with the structure of the alveoli involving thin walls.

Answer 5

The walls of the alveoli and the capillaries are very thin which helps oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse between the two areas.

Question 6

Name one feature to do with the structure of the alveoli involving diffusion.

Answer 6

Walls of the alveoli are moist which makes diffusion quicker.

Question 7

What is gaseous exchange?

Answer 7

-Takes place in the alveoli of the lungs.
-The lungs take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide.
-Happens by a process called DIFFUSION.

Question 8

What is diffusion?

Answer 8

The movement of gas from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Question 9

What is the first step of alveolus gas exchange?

Answer 9

Blood carries waste carbon dioxide from the body cells to the alveoli.

Question 10

What is the second step of alveolus gas exchange?

Answer 10

The carbon dioxide passes through the capillary walls and into the alveoli via DIFFUSION.

Question 11

What is the third step of alveolus gas exchange?

Answer 11

Oxygen passes through the alveoli walls and into the capillaries VIA DIFFUSION.

Question 12

What is the fourth step of alveolus gas exchange?

Answer 12

The blood carries the oxygen away to the body cells.

Question 13

What is the fifth step of alveolus gas exchange?

Answer 13

Carbon dioxide travels out of the lungs and up the trachea. You then breathe it out.

Question 14

What is your respiratory rate?

Answer 14

Number of breaths per minute.

Question 15

What is tidal volume?

Answer 15

Amount of air inspired and expired with each normal breath at rest or during exercise.

Question 16

What is vital capacity?

Answer 16

Largest amount of air that can be forcibly inspired or expired (4-5L).

Question 17

What is VO2 Max?

Answer 17

Volume of oxygen an athlete can consume while exercising at maximum capacity.

Question 18

What is oxygen debt?
(Describe its characteristics also)

Answer 18

-The amount of oxygen needed at the end of physical activity to break down any lactic acid.
-Often occurs during anerobic exercise.
-Enables lactic acid to be broken down into C02 and H20 to be removed from the body.
-Oxygen debt is repaid through deep, gasping breaths at the end of the activity.

Question 19

What are the percentages of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and other gases in inhaled air?

Answer 19

Nitrogen: 78%
Oxygen: 21%
Carbon dioxide: 0.04%

Question 20

What are the percentages of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and other gases in exhaled air?

Answer 20

Nitrogen: 78%
Oxygen: 17%
Carbon dioxide: 4%

Question 21

Why do we need more oxygen in aerobic respiration?

Answer 21

We need more oxygen to contine respiring aerobically so we can produce more energy and delay fatigue.

Question 22

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

Answer 22

-Increased respiratory rate.
-Increased tidal volume.
-Experience oxygen debt.

Question 23

Describe one long term effect of exercise on the respiratory system about the lungs.

Answer 23

-Improved efficiency of lungs meaning better delivery of oxygen.

Question 24

Describe one long term effect of exercise on the respiratory system about the carbon dioxide.

Answer 24

More efficient removal of carbon dioxide so body can cope with greater production.

Question 25

Describe one long term effect of exercise on the respiratory system about vital capacity.

Answer 25

Vital capacity is increased as lungs become more efficient.

Question 26

Describe one long term effect of exercise on the respiratory system about the alveoli.

Answer 26

More alveoli are available so more oxygen is absorbed and carbon dioxide removed.

Question 27

Describe one long term effect of exercise on the respiratory system about V02 Max.

Answer 27

V02 Max is increased.

Question 28

Describe one long term effect of exercise on the respiratory system about capillarisation.

Answer 28

Increased capillarisation so more oxygen can be absorbed into the blood stream.

Question 29

Describe one long term effect of exercise on the respiratory system about the ribs and diaphragm.

Answer 29

Rib muscles and diaphragm grow stronger so lung cavity can expand more.

Question 30

Describe one long term effect of exercise on the respiratory system about oxygen debt.

Answer 30

Increased tolerance to oxygen debt as more oxygen is available and carbon dioxide is removed.

Question 31

Name the effects smoking has on the efficency of the respiratory system.

Answer 31

-Poisonous chemicals: Nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide. -Tar narrows airways, damages cilia hence less protection from disease. -Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen on haemoglobin. -Alveoli become less stretchy so less efficient. -Less oxygen in and carbon dioxide out so short of breath. -Heart is forced to work harder to compensate.