The Process of Breathing: Respiration Function & Structures

1. The process of breathing is called RESPIRATION FUNCTION: Supplies O2 to enable ENERGY to be released Removes CO2 from the body Structures of the respiratory system and gaseous exchange Air containing O2 is INHALED into the lungs Air containing CO2 is EXHALED from the lungs UNIT 1 - Information

2. Air enters through the NOSE and MOUTH. Passes down the TRACHEA into the BRONCI (through the BRONCHIOLES), and ends up at tiny air sacs called ALVEOLI. Each alveoli has thin walls and is surrounded by a blood vessel called a CAPILLARY. GASEOUS EXCHANGE takes place - O2 is diffused into the blood and travels in the blood to the working muscles. At the same time CO2 diffuses into the alveoli and is breathed out. To draw air into the body (INSPIRATION) the lungs must increase in size. This occurs because the INTERCOSTAL MUSCLES and the DIAPHRAGM contract. This decreases the air pressure inside the lungs, causing air to rush in. To expel air from the body (EXPIRATION) the lungs return to their original size (relax) – which decreases the size of the thoracic cavity. The decreased volume and increased air pressure in the lungs forces air out. UNIT 1 - Information

3. Deoxygenated blood brings carbon dioxide from the body cells to the alveoli Oxygen is breathed in Carbon dioxide is breathed out Oxygen diffuses through the walls of the alveoli into the capillaries Oxygenated blood carries oxygen to the body cells Carbon dioxide diffuses through the walls of the capillaries into the alveoli UNIT 1 - Information

4. LUNG CAPACITY UNIT 1 - Information RESPIRATORY RATE – How many breaths taken in 1 minute TIDAL VOLUME – Amount of air taken in or out with EACH BREATH MINUTE VOLUME – Amount of air breathed in, in 1 minute MINUTE VOLUME = TIDAL VOLUME × RESPIRATORY RATE • As exercise intensity increases so does minute volume • This is to supply the body with sufficient oxygen for increased energy demands • There is also a need to dispel more CO2 as exercise gets harder • Minute volume can increase from around 6 litres/min at rest to 28 litres/min for exercise • Some elite athletes can go up to 36 litres/min • When exercise stops or becomes less intense their minute volume will slowly adjust back down accordingly

5. LUNG CAPACITY UNIT 1 - Information The extra oxygen needed with intense exercise is provided by: • Breathing more deeply • Increasing rate of breathing • Both VITAL CAPACITY – is the maximum amount of air that can be breathed out after breathing in as deeply as you can. RESIDUAL VOLUME – the lungs are never completely empty, the air that is left is the residual volume. Practical Application TOTAL LUNG CAPACITY = VITAL CAPACITY + RESIDUAL VOLUME

6. LUNG VOLUMES UNIT 1 - Information • Under normal resting conditions, we breathe approximately 16 times per minute – taking in 0.5 litres of air (TIDAL VOLUME) • During vigorous exercise, the breathing rate may exceed 40 breaths per minute – taking in 2.2 litres of air. Information/Discussion An example of a spirometer trace: Practical Application 6 3.4 3 1.5

7. It is the maximum amount of oxygen taken in, transported and used in one minute VO2will vary depending on the demands of the activity The fitter athlete will be able to make much greater use of oxygen that is inhaled – a better MAXIMUM AEROBIC CAPACITY A predictor of aerobic fitness UNIT 1 - Information VO2 Max

8. UNIT 1 - Information Effects of Exercise on the System Although breathing becomes more rapid during exercise, the speed with which this occurs depends upon the amount of physical activity the individual is used to. After physical activity has taken place the sportsperson will continue to breathe deeply for some time. This is to remove any oxygen debt that may have developed. A well-trained, fitter person, however, will revert to normal breathing faster than an untrained person. This is due to their more efficient breathing mechanisms.

9. UNIT 1 - Information Effects of Exercise on the System • Effects of training on the respiratory system: • the size of the chest increases • the amount that the chest can expand increases • the breathing rate at rest gets slower • the capillary web around the alveoli is increased • more alveoli are ready to pass gases to and from the blood • the exchange of gas is improved • inspiratory and expiratory reserve volumes increase • tidal volume increases during exercise

10. At rest, group can watch each other to identify depth and rate of breathing. At exercise: i) After 2 minutes ii) After 15 minutes Group can watch each other to identify changes in depth and rate of breathing This can initiate discussion Tidal volume/ Minute volume/ Intensity of Exercise Movement of abdomen/ chest - diaphragm UNIT 1 – Practical Application

11. Use MULTI-STAGE FITNESS TEST as an indicator of Aerobic – capacity – explain VO2 Mapping oxygen from the air via the lungs to muscles in the body Discuss gaseous exchange with group UNIT 1 – Practical Application

12. Skeletal system Muscular system Cardiovascular system Aerobic/ Anaerobic system Energy continuum Training zones Intensity/ duration of exercise Short term effects of exercise on the systems of the body Long term effects of exercise on the systems of the body UNIT 1 - Links

13. UNIT 1 - Activity • Complete the following by filling in the blanks: Every cell in the body needs to _____________ or it will die. Respiration means it needs to take in _____________ and get rid of _____________________. The cells need the ______________ to produce _________________. The oxygen is breathed in as part of the air. The ________________ enters through the ______________________, passes down the __________________ into the ______________ through the ________________ and finally ends up at the tiny air sacs called ___________. Each ______________ has thin walls and is surrounded by a thin blood vessel called a ________________. This helps the process of _______________________. This means that ____________________diffuses into the _____________ and travels in the blood to the working __________________. At the same time ______________________ diffuses into the alveoli and is ________________. GASEOUS EXCHANGE MUSCLES ENERGY BRONCHI OXYGEN OXYGEN CAPILLARY BREATHED OUT TRACHEA NOSE & MOUTH AIR BRONCHIOLES RESPIRE OXYGEN BLOOD CARBON DIOXIDE ALVEOLI CARBON DIOXIDE ALVEOLUS

14. UNIT 1 - Activity • Define the following terms: Respiratory Rate Tidal Volume Minute Ventilation Information/Discussion • Make up a simple equation that links the three terms above. Practical Application • What is VO2 Max. • What is the advantage to a football or hockey midfield player of having a high VO2 Max?

15. UNIT 1 - Activity • Complete the following diagram for Gaseous Exchange.

16. UNIT 1 - Activity • Name TWO functions of the Respiratory System. • How does the body provide the extra O2 needed for exercise?

17. UNIT 1 – Key Facts/ Glossary RESPIRATION O2 CO2 FUNCTION IN OUT MECHANICS - Gaseous Exchange • Tidal Volume - Minute Volume - Respiratory Rate • Vital Capacity - Residual Volume • VO2 Max • Effects of Exercise on Respiratory System