CHAPTER 1

RESPIRATION

1.1 HUMAN BREATHING MECHANISM

1. Living things get their oxygen supply from the air around them 2. We breathe in oxygen during respiration 3. We breathe out carbon dioxide and water vapour during respiration

Nasal cavity Trachea

Bronchioles Bronchus
Alveolus

Human respiratory system

Structure of the lung

Structure of the human respiratory system

1. Air enters the respiratory system through the nasal cavity

As air passes the nasal cavity, it is warmed and moistened. Dust is trapped by the hairs

2. After the air leaves the nasal cavity, it enters the trachea

The wall of the trachea contains C-shaped rings of cartilage which give it support and prevent it from collapsing during inhalation

3. The trachea branches into two bronchi [singular bronchus] 4. Each bronchus branches into smaller tubes called bronchioles 5. The bronchioles end in millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli [singular alveolus]

6. The lungs are made up of: -alveoli -bronchioles -blood capillaries

7. The lungs are located in a space called the thoracic cavity

8. The lungs are protected by the ribcage which consists of ribs and intercostal musles 9. A sheet of muscle called the diaphragm separates the thoracic cavity from the abdomen

Adaption of the alveoli for efficient gas exchange

1.Large surface area [The lungs have millions of alveoli to provide a large surface area for gas exchange]

Adaption of the alveoli for efficient gas exchange

2. Very thin walls [ The wall of each alveolus is one-cell thick to provide a very short distance for the diffusion of gases]

Adaption of the alveoli for efficient gas exchange

3. Moist inner surface [The inner surface of each alveolus is moist so that oxygen can dissolve in the moisture before diffusing across the alveolar wall ]

Adaption of the alveoli for efficient gas exchange

4. Surrounded by numerous blood capillaries [The blood capillaries help to transport gases to and from the alveoli]

Breathing mechanism 1. Our body uses oxygen, and given off carbon dioxide and water vapour during respiration 2. The breathing mechanism involves the breathing in (inhalation) and breathing out (exhalation) processes.

3. During breathing, the lungs expand and return to their normal size to pump air into and out of them 4. The movement of ribs and diaphragm bring about breathing

Inhalation

Exhalation

Comparison of the mechanisms of inhalation and exhalation INHALATION EXHALATION

Diaphragm muscles contact Diaphragm flattens out Intercostal muscles contract Ribcage moves upwards and outwards Volume of thoracic cavity increases Air pressure surrounding the lungs decreases Air flows into the lungs

Diaphragm muscles relax Diaphragm arches upwards Intercostal muscles relax Ribcage moves downwards and inwards Volume of thoracic cavity decreases Air pressure surrounding the lungs increase Air is forced out of the lungs

Composition of inhaled, exhaled and alveolar air

CONTENT Oxygen Carbon dioxide Nitrogen INHALED AIR 21% 0.04% 79% EXHALED AIR 16% 4% 79% Saturated 34oC ALVEOLAR AIR 14% 6% 80% Saturated 37oC

Water Variable vapour Temperature Variable