Respiration

By Sharina Gerald
 Learning Objectives
• Explain the importance of breathing in humans;
• Relate the structures of the respiratory tract to their functions; Diagram of
respiratory system.
• Describe the breathing mechanism;* Emphasis on principles involved.
Demonstrate using a model.
• Outline the factors affecting rate of breathing; Exercise, smoking, anxiety,
drugs, environmental factors, altitude, weight.
• Explain the concept of vital capacity; Graphical representation required.
• Distinguish between gaseous exchange and breathing; Inclusion of gaseous
exchange in the alveoli; diagram of alveolus required.
• Identify characteristics common to gaseous exchange surfaces;
Structure of the upper part of the Human
respiratory system
Structure of the human thorax
Surface view of a cluster of alveoli showing
the blood supply
The mechanism of breathing
Gaseous exchange in an alveolus
 Assessment
1. What is meant by the term ‘breathing’ and why is breathing important to
humans?
2. State the function of EACH of the following structures found in the
respiratory system: a the nasal cavities b the bronchi c the bronchioles
3. Identify the gaseous exchange surface in a human and explain FOUR
ways in which the surface is adapted to perform its function efficiently.
4. Explain the mechanism by which air is drawn into the lungs.
5. Give FOUR factors that can increase the breathing rate and TWO factors
that can decrease it.