SC F3 2.4

•  The Adaptation In The Respiratory System

  Definition

  • The diversity of adaptations in the respiratory systems of animals differs from those of humans
• Fish

  - Gills

  Features:

  • Consists of fine and numerous filaments or rapid gas permeation
  • Filaments have many blood capillaries for effiecient gas exchange
• Insects

  - Trachea

  Features:

  • Consists of a branched tube system
  • The tip of the tracheolus is thin-walled and moist for the gas to dissolve directly into the cell
  • A large number of tracheols and a large surface area cause gas exchange by brief diffusion
• Frogs/amphibians

  - Outer skin and lungs

  Features:

  • The outer skin of amphibians is thin and permeable for easy and fast gas permeation
  • Always moist because it is covered with mucus that dissolves respiratory gases
  • Many blood capillaries transport respiratory gases to body cells
• Human respiratory system


  • Able to adapt to different situations
  • Respiratory rates vary according to different situations
  • Regular exercise can strengthen the heart and respiratory system to function efficiently
  • A healthy lifestyle such as not smoking is also important to keep the respiratory system functioning properly
• Adaptation of human respiratory system in different situations

  • Being at the top of a high mountain where the atmospheric pressure is low and difficulty breathing
  • On the ocean floor where high pressure and difficulty breathing requires an oxygen tank
• Regular exercise


  • Strengthens the heart and respiratory system
  • Increases cellular respiration rate and heart rate
• A healthy lifestyle such as not smoking is also important to keep the respiratory system functioning properly
•  The anemia and sickle cell anemia:

  
• Patients with anemia

  • Suffering from iron mineral deficiency due to lack of haemoglobin
  • Lack of oxygen is caused by a lack of haemoglobin
  • Becomes pale, lacks energy, and faints easily
• Patients with sickle cell anemia

  Sickle-shaped blood cells

  The surface area is small and less than normal haemoglobin

  Lack of oxygen is transported to the body’s cells causing paleness and lack of energy