THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Goal: I will be able to explain how the

respiratory and cardiovascular system work together to provide my working muscles with nutrients and oxygen.

MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Supply O2(g) to the blood Remove CO2(g) from the blood Regulate blood pH

THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

STRUCTURE OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Figure 7.8 on page 120 Respiration

BREATHING

Involves the diaphragm (a large dome-shaped muscle underneath the lungs) and the muscles between the ribs.

Is an involuntary process that we can override while talking but only temporarily.

BREATHING

Respiratory control centres are found in the brain stem and are involuntary.

If CO2 levels increase, the brain sends signals to the diaphragm, and the heart; breathing rate increases and heart beats faster; therefore decreasing CO2 and increasing O2

MECHANISMS OF GAS EXCHANGE

The diaphragm moves down creating a low pressure within the chest cavity.

Air rushes into the body and travels down the trachea.

The trachea warms and filters the air before it reaches the lungs.

Air travels into the bronchi, bronchioles and then into the alveolar sacs which are surrounded by capillaries.

This is the site of gas exchange.

Gas exchange is based on diffusion. CO2(g) moves from the blood into the

alveoli and is expelled. O2 (g) moves from the alveoli into the

blood. The O2 (g) bonds with hemoglobin in

the blood which allows for the efficient transport of O2 (g) to the cells of the body.

ALVEOLI & GAS EXCHANGE

BLOOD AND PH

CO2 (g) produced in cells must be removed from body tissues.

Some CO2 (g) can dissolve in the blood and move towards the lungs where it is expelled.

Some CO2 (g) bonds with water to produce carbonic acid in the blood.

This reaction helps regulate the pH of the blood.

CO2 (g) + H2O(l) →H2CO3 (aq)

H2CO3 (aq) → H+ + HCO3- (aq)

The H+ ion can bond with hemoglobin And If the pH of blood is too low (if lactic acid is

produced), the HCO3- ion will help to return the

blood pH back to normal levels.

QUESTIONS

1. Read pages 121, 123, 125, 126, and 1272. What are the functions of the cardiovascular and respiratory

systems?

2. Oxygen is used by your cells to undergo respiration and therefore make ATP. Carbon dioxide is produced during this reaction. Explain how oxygen gas you breathe in makes it way to your muscle cells. Also, explain how carbon dioxide gases produced by those same muscle cells are eliminated. Ensure you include as much detail as possible.

3. Read VO2 max and Sports Performance on page 128. Summarize the information. Incorporate a definition of VO2 max into your definition and explain how it can be improved.