Assignment - Respiration

In this assignment I will be explaining the functions of the respiratory system

during exercise and how it deals with the transportation of gases.

There are two types of respiration:

Internal - This is the process by which the oxygen in the air that enters the
lungs by external respiration and is exchanged for carbon dioxide thought the
capillary walls. As we breath in the intercostals muscles contract to lift the
ribs upwards and outwards which the diaphragm is forced downwards and the
sternum forwards. The expansion of the thorax in all directions causes a drop
in pressure below that of the atmospheric pressure, which then helps air to
flood the lungs.

External - External respiration is a follow on from internal respiration as the

intercostals muscles relax the diaphragm extends upwards and sternum
collapse. At that point the pressure in the lungs is increased and air is
expelled. The air is expelled from the lungs in order to remove carbon dioxide
from to body.

Another key function of the respiratory system is gaseous exchange. This

refers to the process whereby oxygen and carbon dioxide move between the
lungs and blood.

The concept of partial pressures applies to the diffusion of gases from a gas
mixture to a gas in solution. They then dissolve into a solution by diffusion
until the equilibrium is accomplished. The partial pressures of the gases are
the same in both gaseous and liquid states.

Blood entering the capillaries from the pulmonary arteries has lower oxygen
content and a higher carbon dioxide content than the air in the alveoli. The
oxygen diffuses into the blood via the surface of the alveoli then through the
thin walls of the capillaries. Then through the blood cells its latches on to
haemoglobin which then diffuses the carbon dioxide in opposite directions.

Increased breathing rate as part of the respiratory system is often whilst in

exercise. During exercise your muscles demand more oxygen and the
corresponding increase in carbon dioxide production stimulates faster and
deeper breathing. The network, which surrounds the alveoli, expands
increasing blood flow to the lungs and pulmonary diffusion.

An increase in the breathing rate is known as an anticipatory rise. This is

due to the receptors working in both the muscles and joints. After a period of
exercise the breathing continues to increase however at a slower rate. After
exercise the breathing rate returns to normal and it rapidly begins with and
then becomes slower.

Breathing is controlled by neural and chemical factors. When the rate of

breathing and depth increases it is due to the receptors being stretched in the
lungs.

Another key part of the respiration cycle that increases is the tidal volume.
Under normal conditions this represents about 500 cm of air breathed, both
inhaled and exhaled. Of this about two thirds eg 350 cm3 reaches the alveoli
in the lungs where gaseous exchanged takes place. The remaining 150 cm3
fills the pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and bronchioles and is known as
dead or stationary air. During exercise tidal volume increases to allow more
air to pass though the lungs each minute. This is known as the minute volume
and is the product of the breathing rate. The lungs usually contain 350 cm3 of
fresh air, 150 cm3 of dead air and 2500 cm3 of air that has already undergone
gaseous exchange with the blood.
Tidal volume is increased by aerobic and anaerobic exercise. During exercise
oxygen is depleted from your body, triggering a deeper tidal volume.
There are two types of reserve volume. They include:
• Inspiratory reserve volume
• Expiratory reserve volume

Inspiratory reserve volume

This is the maximum amount of gas that can be inhaled when breathing in
deeply. It is possible to take in the usual 350 cm of fresh air that reaches
the alveoli. This is important during exercise and you can breathe in up to
an additional 3000 cm 3 amount of fresh air. The inspiratory reserve
volume decreases during exercise.

Expiratory reserve volume

This is the amount of additional air that can be breathed out after normal
expiration. This is about 1.500cm3