Exercise and Breathing

Gaseous exchange

The process where oxygen is taken in and exchanged for carbon dioxide which is a waste product of respiration

Oxygen

A gas that is needed for aerobic respiration to release energy, oxygen is transported into the body by the respiratory system and around the body by the circulatory system

Carbon dioxide

A waste product of respiration that needs to be removed from cells via the blood and removed from the body via the respiratory system

Ventilation

The movement of air in and out of the lungs in response to muscular action that changes the volume and internal pressure of the thorax or chest, needed to efficiently regulate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide

Percentage composition of inspired air

21% Oxygen, 0.04% Carbon Dioxide, 78% Nitrogen, percentage of water vapour varies

Percentage composition of exhaled air

16% Oxygen, 4% Carbon Dioxide, 78% Nitrogen, saturated with water vapour

Exercise

Planned, structured, repetitive movement intended to improve or maintain physical fitness

Respiration

The process by which cells break down glucose, in order to release energy

Aerobic respiration

Respiration that requires inhaled oxygen, an efficient process that releases a lot of energy

Uses of energy from respiration

Muscular contraction and movement, synthesis of new molecules, metabolic processes

Muscle cells during exercise

Require significantly more energy from respiration

Effect of exercise on cells

Cells need more oxygen and will produce more carbon dioxide as a result of increased respiration

Demand on lungs during exercise

When blood reaches the lungs, a larger volume of air is needed to replace the oxygen used and remove the carbon dioxide produced by this extra respiration

Increased breathing rate

In order to supply more oxygen to the exercising cells, the body increases the rate and depth of breathing

Recovery time

The time taken for the breathing rate to return to normal, following exercise