Functions of the Respiratory system

P6/ M3

To get a PASS:• A labelled diagram of the respiratory system and its application.• A general description of the function of the respiratory system.

The structure of the respiratory systemThe function of the respiratory systemBreathing (neural and chemical control) To get a Pass (P6) you need to:Describe the structure and function of the respiratory system, the mechanisms of breathing and the respiratory volumes

To get a MERIT:Same as the above… AND

• Explain the function of the respiratory system, including mechanisms of breathing. This needs to show more detail, and give an indication of how each element of the respiratory system is designed to meet it’s function.

• The respiratory system is responsible for: – getting oxygen in to our body– Getting carbon dioxide and other waste products out of our body

• All living creatures need Oxygen in combination with food to produce energy and movement.

• Every cell of the body needs Oxygen to function

• Respiration is the process by which cells receive a constant supply of oxygen and carbon dioxide is removed.

General description

• The aim of the respiratory system is to get:– Oxygen to the bloodstream

• so that the CV system can deliver it to the muscles.

– Carbon dioxide out of the bloodstream

• All endurance performance relies on– Delivery of Oxygen into the

blood stream– Removal of Carbon Dioxide out

of the blood• Give a couple of specific

examples in your worksheet

General description…

When we exercise: CO2 dissolves within the bloodstream and increases acidity levels. So the respiratory centre in the brain speeds up the rate

of breathing to get rid of excess CO2.

So rate of breathing increases due to CO2 levels

rising. Not the cells demanding more O2.

• Gases move through a process called diffusion– Gas moves from a high concentration to a low

concentration• Eg: someone wearing perfume.

• In the respiratory system

–Two different types of diffusion:

• Diffusion of Oxygen into the blood stream, attracted by haemoglobin

• Diffusion of Carbon Dioxide out of the blood stream to be excreted by the lungs

Diffusion

Diffusion of Oxygen into the blood stream

• The alveoli are in constant contact with the capillaries

• The air we breath in arrives in the alveoli, rich in Oxygen

• The blood arrives from the pulmonary artery very low in oxygen

• Following the principle of diffusion, the Oxygen moves across the capillary wall and into the blood stream– It is attracted by the haemoglobin into the red

blood cells

• The blood returns to the heart to be pumped to the rest of the body

Diffusion of Carbon Dioxide out of the blood stream

• The blood arrives in capillaries of the lungs with a high concentration of Carbon Dioxide

• The air in the alveoli has a low concentration of Carbon Dioxide

According to the principles of diffusion, the Carbon dioxide moves across the wall of the capillaries and into the alveoli, so that it can be expired.