Respiratory Physiology and Exercise

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to respiratory physiology during exercise.

Chemoreceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to changes in chemical composition, particularly for monitoring carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the body.

C O 2 (Carbon Dioxide)

A byproduct of metabolism that stimulates breathing; it drives the urge to breathe more than the need for oxygen.

Tidal Volume (TV)

The amount of air moved in and out of the lungs during each breath.

Pulmonary Ventilation (PV)

The total volume of air exchanged during breathing, calculated as tidal volume multiplied by respiratory rate.

Ventilatory Equivalent

A ratio comparing pulmonary ventilation to the amount of oxygen utilized during metabolism; measures efficiency of the respiratory system.

Lactate Threshold

The exercise intensity at which lactate starts to accumulate in the blood, indicating a shift to anaerobic metabolism.

Hypocapnia

A state of low carbon dioxide levels in the blood often resulting from hyperventilation.

Bohr Effect

The physiological phenomenon where increased carbon dioxide and decreased pH cause hemoglobin to release oxygen more readily.

Hyperventilation

An increased rate and depth of breathing that can lead to decreased carbon dioxide levels and may result in dizziness or fainting.

Altitude Training

Training at high altitudes to stimulate physiological adaptations, such as increased red blood cell production.

Ischemia

A condition resulting from restricted blood flow, leading to inadequate oxygen supply to tissues.

Pulmonary Ventilation Equation

The equation for calculating pulmonary ventilation, which is tidal volume multiplied by respiratory rate.

Residual Volume (RV)

The amount of air remaining in the lungs after maximal exhalation.

Total Lung Capacity (TLC)

The total volume of air the lungs can hold, equal to vital capacity plus residual volume.

Dyspnea

Difficulty or labored breathing.

Anaerobic Metabolism

The process of producing energy without oxygen, leading to byproducts like lactic acid.

Respiratory Rate

The number of breaths taken per minute, typically between 12 to 20 in a healthy adult.

Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio

The ratio of air reaching the alveoli to the blood flow in the pulmonary capillaries.

Chemoreceptor Reflex

The reflex action to regulate breathing rate based on the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood.

Lung Stretch Receptors

Receptors that respond to the stretching of lung tissue and help regulate breath volume.

Accessory Respiratory Muscles

Muscles that assist in breathing, particularly during intense exercise.

High-Intensity Exercise

Exercise performed at a high percentage of an individual's maximal effort, often leading to increased CO2 production.