Breathing

What muscles are connected to the ribs

Intercostal muscles (located between the ribs, help expand and contract the chest cavity).

How do the lungs inflate and deflate if they have no muscles?

The diaphragm and intercostal muscles create changes in pressure inside the thoracic cavity.

What gases are absorbed and expelled during breathing?

Absorbed: Oxygen. Expelled: Carbon Dioxide. Unchanged: Nitrogen

Why are alveoli and capillaries so thin?

They are one cell thick to allow rapid diffusion of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the air and blood.

Why should alveoli and capillaries stay moist?

Gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide dissolve in moisture, making diffusion easier.

Why do we have many small capillaries in the lungs rather than a few large ones?

Small capillaries increase surface area, allowing more efficient gas exchange.

Why does the body not wait until all gases have diffused before breathing again?

Diffusion is passive and slow, so the body breathes regularly to maintain a concentration gradient and ensure continuous oxygen intake.

What is tidal volume?

The amount of air you breathe in and out normally.

What is inspiratory reserve volume?

The extra air you can inhale after a normal breath.

What is expiratory reserve volume?

The extra air you can exhale after a normal breath.

What is residual volume?

The air left in your lungs after exhaling completely.

What is inspiratory capacity?

The total amount of air you can inhale.

What is total lung capacity?

The maximum amount of air your lungs can hold.

What is vital capacity?

The maximum amount of air you can exhale after fully inhaling.

What is functional reserve capacity?

The amount of air remaining in the lungs after a normal exhalation.

Why is it important to measure tidal volume and vital capacity multiple times and take an average?

It helps improve accuracy by reducing the effect of any errors or inconsistencies in breathing effort.

Why is vital capacity important for an athlete?

An athlete is likely to have a higher vital capacity due to stronger respiratory muscles and more efficient oxygen exchange.

Why is vital capacity important for a musician?

Musicians, especially wind instrument players or singers, need a larger vital capacity to sustain long notes and maintain breath control.