Cardio-Respiratory System and Exercise and Exercise Physiology

System Functions

• Respiratory System: Responsible for bringing $O_2$ into the body and removing $CO_2$.

• Cardiovascular System: Responsible for transporting gases around the body and moving them to and from the lungs.

Gas Exchange and Energy

• Movement of Oxygen: $O_2$ enters through inhaled air, reaches the alveoli, and is transferred into the bloodstream via surrounding capillaries.

• Role of the Heart: Oxygenated blood is taken to the heart for distribution.

• Cellular Respiration: Oxygen is delivered to cells to produce energy; this process generates carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) as a byproduct.

Effects of Exercise

• Energy Demand: Working muscle cells require immediate oxygen to produce energy during physical activity.

• Physiological Response: Heart rate and breathing rate increase to meet the elevated demand for $O_2$ delivery to muscles.