Transport Systems in the Human Body

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, homeostasis, and the physiological responses to exercise.

What is the function of the cardiovascular system?

To transport nutrients, hormones, gases, heat, and waste.

What does the respiratory system facilitate?

The exchange of gases between the external environment and the body.

Who is Eliud Kipchoge?

A long-distance runner regarded as one of the greatest marathon runners, known for breaking the 2-hour marathon record.

What is homeostasis?

The stability of key variables in the body achieved by physiological system changes.

What happens to the body's systems during exercise?

They work together to maintain homeostasis despite increased demands.

What is VO₂?

The rate at which oxygen is taken into the body and used; an indicator of physiological function.

How is oxygen transported to exercising muscles?

Through specialized physiological systems working together during exercise.

What technology is used to measure physiological responses to exercise?

Modern portable and wireless systems replace older, cumbersome monitoring equipment.

What is the primary action of breathing in?

The air pressure in the lungs must be lower than that of the atmosphere.

What muscle primarily facilitates breathing?

The diaphragm.

What does tidal volume refer to?

The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal resting breaths.

What is gas exchange?

The transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

What is the primary function of blood during exercise?

To transport gases, nutrients, waste products, hormones, and heat.

What are platelets?

Cell components that assist in blood clotting.

What is the haematocrit?

The percentage of red blood cells in blood volume.

How is carbon dioxide primarily transported during exercise?

Mostly in the form of bicarbonate.

What is pulmonary circulation?

The circulation of deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and back.

What differentiates arteries from veins?

Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart, while veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

What is the purpose of heart valves?

To ensure blood flows in one direction within the heart.

What does systolic blood pressure indicate?

The pressure during the contraction of heart chambers.

What regulates the diameter of blood vessels?

Involuntary control of smooth muscle.

What does cardiac output refer to?

The amount of blood ejected from the left side of the heart per minute.

What are the four main chambers of the heart?

Two atria and two ventricles.

What is VO₂max?

The maximal rate of oxygen uptake during maximal aerobic exercise.

What is the Fick equation?

VO₂max = maximum cardiac output × maximum arterio-venous oxygen difference.

What can influence the performance of the cardiovascular system?

Training, intensity, duration, and frequency of exercise.

How does blood distribution change during exercise?

More blood is directed towards active muscles while supply to other organs is reduced.

What is hyperventilation?

An increase in ventilation beyond what is needed for the given exercise intensity.

What happens during gas diffusion?

Gases move from areas of high partial pressure to areas of low partial pressure.

Why is the understanding of lung volumes important?

They provide insight into an individual’s fitness and respiratory function.

What role do intercostal muscles play during exercise?

They assist the diaphragm in increasing lung volume during inhalation.

What adaptations occur to the blood supply in trained individuals?

Increased haematocrit and better oxygen transport ability.