Exercise Physiology

Nose and Mouth

Entry points for air into the respiratory system.

Pharynx and Larynx

Connect nasal and oral cavities to the trachea, ensuring proper air passage.

Trachea

Rigid tube connecting the larynx to the bronchi, providing a pathway for air.

Bronchi and Bronchioles

Branches of the trachea leading to the lungs, further dividing into smaller bronchioles.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs.

Pulmonary Ventilation

The total volume of air breathed in and out per minute.

Total Lung Capacity

The maximum amount of air the lungs can hold after a maximum inhalation.

Vital Capacity

The maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation.

Tidal Volume

The amount of air inspired or expired during normal breathing.

Expiratory Reserve Volume

The maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a normal exhalation.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume

The maximum volume of air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation.

Residual Volume

The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation.

Inhalation

Diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, expanding the thoracic cavity.

Exhalation

Diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, reducing thoracic volume.

Central Chemoreceptors

Detect changes in blood pH and carbon dioxide levels, influencing respiratory rate.

Peripheral Chemoreceptors

Respond to oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Oxygen Binding

Hemoglobin binds to oxygen in the lungs, forming oxyhemoglobin.

Oxygen Release

Oxyhemoglobin releases oxygen in tissues with lower oxygen concentrations.

Plasma

A liquid matrix containing water, electrolytes, proteins (including albumin and globulins), hormones, and waste products.

Erythrocytes

also known as red blood cells, are the most common type of blood cell in the human body. They are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and removing carbon dioxide.

Leucocytes

also known as white blood cells, are a type of blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system. They help defend the body against infections and foreign substances.

Platelets

also known as thrombocytes, are small, irregularly shaped cell fragments found in the blood. They are produced in the bone marrow and play a crucial role in blood clotting.

Right Atrium

is one of the four chambers of the human heart. It receives deoxygenated blood from the body through the superior and inferior vena cava.

left atrium

is one of the four chambers of the human heart. It receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it into the left ventricle, which then distributes the blood to the rest of the body.

right ventricle

is one of the four chambers of the heart. It receives deoxygenated blood from the right atrium and pumps it to the lungs for oxygenation.

Left ventricle

one of the four chambers of the heart. It is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. It receives oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium and contracts to push the blood into the aorta, which then distributes it to the various organs and tissues.

Tricuspid Valve

is one of the four valves in the human heart. It is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. The valve consists of three leaflets or cusps, hence the name "tricuspid."

Mitral Valve

is one of the four valves in the human heart. It is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Its main function is to prevent the backflow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during ventricular contraction.

Pulmonary valve

Its main function is to prevent the backflow of blood from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle during the relaxation phase of the heart.

Aortic valve

It is located between the left ventricle and the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. it allows blood to flow from the left ventricle into the aorta, which then distributes oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

superior vena cava

is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium of the heart. It is responsible for returning blood from the head, neck, arms, and upper chest back to the heart.

Inferior vena cava

is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body back to the heart. It is an important component of the circulatory system.

Pulmonaery arteries

are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. They are responsible for transporting blood to the lungs where oxygen is added and carbon dioxide is removed through the process of respiration.

Pulmonary veins

are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart. They are responsible for transporting freshly oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.

Aorta

is the largest artery in the human body. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart and carries oxygenated blood to all parts of the body.

Coronary Arteries

are blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. They branch off from the aorta and encircle the heart, delivering nutrients and removing waste products.

Sinotrial Node

is a small group of specialized cells located in the right atrium of the heart. It acts as the natural pacemaker of the heart, generating electrical impulses that regulate the heart's rhythm.coordinate the contraction of the atria and ventricles.

Atrioventricular (AV) Node

is a specialized group of cells located in the lower part of the right atrium of the heart. It acts as a relay station for electrical signals between the atria and the ventricles.

Sympathetic Nervous System

is a division of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses. It activates during times of stress or danger, increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and redirecting blood flow to the muscles. It is responsible for the body's immediate response to perceived threats.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

is one of the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system. It is responsible for promoting rest, relaxation, and digestion.

Cardiac Output

refers to the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute. It is calculated by multiplying the heart rate (number of beats per minute) by the stroke volume (amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat).

Stroke volume

refers to the amount of blood pumped out of the left ventricle of the heart with each contraction. It is typically measured in milliliters per beat (ml/beat).

Heart Rate

refers to the number of times the heart beats per minute. It is controlled by the electrical signals generated by the sinoatrial (SA) node, also known as the natural pacemaker of the heart.

Cardiovascular Drift

refers to the gradual increase in heart rate that occurs during prolonged aerobic exercise, while maintaining a constant workload.

Systolic Pressure

refers to the maximum pressure exerted on the walls of arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood into the circulation.

Diastolic Pressure

refers to the lower number in a blood pressure reading and represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.

Dynamic exercise

refers to physical activities that involve continuous and repetitive movements of large muscle groups. It typically increases heart rate, breathing rate, and overall oxygen consumption. Examples are running, cycling, swimming, and dancing. These activities help improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and endurance.

Static exercise

refers to physical activities that involve holding a position or posture without any movement. It is a type of strength training exercise that focuses on building muscular endurance and stability. Examples are planks, wall sits, and static lunges.

Maximal Oxygen Consumption

is the maximum amount of oxygen that an individual can utilize during intense exercise. It is a measure of aerobic fitness and is often used as an indicator of an individual's cardiovascular endurance.