Respiratory system

• What is inspiration?

  Inspiration is the act of breathing air into the lungs
• What is expiration?

  Expiration is the act of breathing air out of the lungs
• What is the purpose of a spirometer?


  • To measure the volume of air inspired and expired by the lungs
  • To monitor lung volumes accurately
• What is tidal volume?

  Tidal volume is the volume of air breathed in or out per breath
• What is residual volume?

  Residual volume is the volume of air that remains in the lungs after maximum expiration
• What is minute ventilation?

  Minute ventilation is the volume of air breathed in or out per minute
• What is the process of gas exchange in the respiratory system?

  • Oxygen is inspired and diffused into the blood
  • Carbon dioxide is collected from cells and expired
• What controls the process of breathing and diffusion?

  The process is largely controlled by partial pressure
• What is partial pressure?


  Partial pressure is the pressure exerted by an individual gas in a mixture of gases
• How does gas move in relation to partial pressure?

  Gas moves from a high partial pressure to a low partial pressure
• What is diffusion in the context of gas exchange?

  Diffusion is the movement of gas molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration
• In which direction does oxygen diffuse in the alveoli?

  Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli to the capillaries
• In which direction does carbon dioxide diffuse in the alveoli?


  Carbon dioxide diffuses from the capillaries to the alveoli
• What are the three factors involved in the regulation of pulmonary ventilation during exercise?

  1. Hormonal
  2. Neural
  3. Chemical
• What role does adrenaline play in breathing during exercise?

  Adrenaline increases breathing rate in preparation for exercise
• What is the role of chemoreceptors in breathing regulation?

  Chemoreceptors inform the medulla in the brain about chemical changes in the blood
• What are the three types of receptors involved in the regulation of pulmonary ventilation?

  Chemoreceptors, proprioceptors, and baroreceptors
• What is the impact of smoking on the respiratory system?

  • Reduces lung function
  • Increases breathlessness
  • Causes swelling and narrowing of airways
• What lifestyle choices can negatively affect the respiratory system?

  Smoking and a sedentary lifestyle can negatively affect the respiratory system
• What is breathlessness?

  Breathlessness is a feeling of being unable to breathe
• What are the significant negative impacts of smoking on physical activity and sport?

  • Reduced capacity for physical activity
  • Increased risk of breathing difficulties