2.1 Ventilatory System PPT EMS

Topic: 2 Exercise
Physiology
2.1 Structure and function of

the Ventilatory System
Topic Learning Objectives
To know the structure of the ventilatory

system
To understand how the ventilatory

system contributes to life
Lesson objective
Students must be able to list the principle

structures of the ventilatory system
Students should be able to describe the
functions of these structures
Students could describe the pathway of air
into the body
What do we already know
about the ventilatory system?
Can you
label any of
these?
2.1.1 List the principal structures of the ventilatory system
Watch the video and read page 33 of your course companion
Complete section 2.1.1 of your workbook

May Paper 1 4. What are the principal structures of the ventilatory system?
2013 (1)
A. nose, pharynx, bronchioles, diaphragm
B. nose, trachea, bronchioles, alveoli
C. mouth, larynx, lungs, diaphragm
D. mouth, trachea, alveoli, ribs
Nov Paper 1 4. What are the principal structures of the ventilatory system?
2020 (1)
I. Lungs
II. Heart
III. Alveoli
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III
May Paper 1 4. During inhalation (breathing in), what is the correct pathway
2009 taken by an oxygen molecule? (1)
A. trachea, bronchus, bronchioles, alveoli
B. trachea, bronchioles, bronchus, alveoli
C. trachea, bronchus, alveoli, bronchioles
D. alveoli, bronchioles, bronchus, trachea
May Paper 2 4 (a) State the name of four principal structures of the
2011 ventilatory system (2)
nose / mouth / pharynx / larynx / trachea / bronchi / bronchioles / alveoli / lungs
2.1.2 Outline the functions of the conducting airways
Nose
What are the
conducting airways?
Pharynx
Larynx Trachea
Bronchus (1)/
Bronchi (2) Bronchioles
Main Function:
To filter, warm and moisten air before
conducting (sending) it to the lungs
Functions in more detail:
Filter: Defence against chemicals and

other harmful substances
Warming and moistening the air
Low resistance pathways for airflow
Conducting Function:
Airways:
Nose
Mouth
Pharynx
Larynx
Trachea
Bronchus
Bronchioles
Alveoli
Lungs
Conducting Function:
Airways:
Nose Entry point for air. Mucus and hair in the nostrils and nasal passages trap dust and foreign particles. Air
is also warmed and moistened here.
Mouth Can also be an entry point for air
Pharynx Passage leading to the digestive tract (i.e. the oesophagus) and the respiratory tract separate
Larynx Located between the pharynx and the trachea, this is part of the air passage and also contains our
vocal chords. It protects the trachea from invasion by foods and fluids.
Trachea This is the windpipe and is surrounded by rings of cartilage that keep it open. Cells lining it secrete
mucus to trap dust and bacteria
Bronchus The trachea divides into two of these.
Bronchioles Each bronchi branches repeatedly into many of these
Alveoli Each bronchiole ends in a cluster of these tiny air sacs. These are the sites of gas exchange.
Lungs This organ fills the chest cavity and make up most of the lower respiratory tract. Their most important
job is providing oxygen to capillaries so they can oxygenate blood.
May Paper 1 4. What is a basic function of the interior structure of the

2012 nose during respiration? (1)
A. To provide a passageway for food
B. To create friction during breathing
C. To warm and moisten incoming air
D. To prevent the lungs from collapsing
May 2014 Paper 1 9. What is the function of the conducting airways? (1)
A. Cool and moisten the air
B. High resistance for air flow
C. Warm and moisten the air
D. Gaseous exchange
Nov Paper 2 4 (a) Outline one function of the nasal cavity when conducting air
2013 towards the lungs (1)
Warming/moistening of air. Defence/filtering of chemicals/harmful substances that

are breathed in from the air.
May Paper 2 6 (c) Outline the functions of the conducting airways in the
2013 lungs when an athlete is competing in a marathon (3)
Warming/moistening of the air by the nasal cavity. Cilia filters foreign particles
from the air. Provide some protection against chemicals/harmful substances that
have been breathed in.
Pressure difference created by lung cavity provides low resistance pathway for air
flow.
Lesson Objective
You must be able to define the terms pulmonary ventilation,

total lung capacity (TLC), vital capacity (VC), tidal volume (TV),
expiratory reserve volume (ERV),inspiratory reserve volume
(IRV) and residual volume (RV)
You should be able to state what happens to the lung volumes

during exercise
You could investigate their own breathing using the

spirometers
2.1.3 Define the terms pulmonary ventilation, total lung
capacity (TLC),vital capacity (VC),tidal volume (TV),
expiratory reserve volume (ERV), inspiratory reserve volume
(IRV) and residual volume (RV).
Watch the video here
As you watch, fill in the definitions

for the key terms
expiratory
2.1.3 reserve volume (ERV), inspiratory reserve volume
Recap your learning here:
Watch the video from 2:39

Investigation: collecting data about normal breathing
1. Under your teacher’s supervision, collect data by making a

trace as a subject breathes normally for 5-10 breaths.
2. After a normal out breath, ask the subject to breathe in as far
as possible for one in breath, then breathe normally for two or
three breaths.
3. After a normal breath in, ask the subject to breathe out as far
as possible. They don’t have to breathe out quickly, but get
them to try to breathe out as much as they can.
4. After this maximum out breath, ask the subject to breathe
normally for another 5-10 breaths. After an out breath,
disconnect them from the spirometer.
5. Take a picture on a device and add it to your 2.1.3 worksheet
on the google classroom.
6. Work out the tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume and
expiratory reserve volume.
7. How would you work out your vital capacity?
Who has the strongest lungs? Explain why.

2.1.3 Define the terms pulmonary ventilation, total lung capacity (TLC),vital
capacity (VC),tidal volume (TV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), inspiratory
reserve volume (IRV) and residual volume (RV).
What happens to each of these lung volumes during exercise?

Effect of Exercise on Lung Volumes
Term: Definition: Effect of Exercise:
Tidal Volume (TV) The volume of air inspired or expired in one INCREASES
breath.
Inspiratory Reserve Volume The maximal volume of air that can be inhaled DECREASES (Due to
(IRV) after normal inspiration
increased TV)
Expiratory Reserve Volume The maximal volume of air, usually about 1000 DECREASES (Due to
(ERV) milliliters, that can be expelled from the lungs
increased TV)
after normal expiration.
Vital Capacity (VC) The maximum volume of air that can be forcibly UNCHANGED
expired from the lungs following maximal
inspiration.
Residual Volume (RV) The volume of air remaining in the lungs after UNCHANGED
maximal expiration.
May 2009 Paper 1 5. What term is given to the volume of air remaining in the
lungs after an individual has exhaled (breathed out) as much as
possible? (1)
A. Inspiratory reserve volume
B. Tidal volume
C. Expiratory reserve volume
D. Residual volume
May 2013 Paper 1 5. How is the vital capacity of the lungs best defined?(1)
A. The volume of air inspired and expired at rest
B. The volume of air which is inspired or expired in one minute
C. The maximum amount of air that a person can expel from the lungs from a position of
full inspiration
D. The volume of air that can still be expired following normal expiration at rest
May 2014 Paper 1 4. What is vital capacity? (1)
A. The volume of air in the lungs after maximum inhalation

B. The volume of air inhaled and exhaled in any one breath
C. Maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation
D. Additional inspired air over and above tidal volume
May 2015 Paper 1 5. What is the definition of inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)?
(1)
A. The volume of air in the lungs after maximal inhalation
B. The volume of air inspired during normal breathing
C. The additional inspired air over and above tidal volume
D. The maximum volume of air that can be inhaled after a maximal exhalation
Nov 2020 Paper 1 5. The diagram shows various lung volumes. Which label represents tidal volume?
May Paper A study investigated the relationship between tidal volume and
2012 2 respiratory frequency on maximal volume expired in competitive
triathletes. The maximal respiratory values (mean ± standard deviation)
from cycle ergometry and treadmill running are shown in the table
below.
1 (a) Define the term tidal volume? (1)
the volume of air inspired or expired (per breath)

1 (c) State the relationship between inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) and tidal volume
during exercise (1)
when tidal volume/V increases, inspiratory reserve volume/IRV decreases by the same
volume / any increase in tidal volume/V is reciprocated by a fall in IRV;
IRV volume decreases during exercise;
tidal volume will increase during exercise;
the IRV is additional inspired air over and above tidal volume/V
1 (d) Suggest reasons for the difference in the value of maximal volume expired for cycle ergometry and treadmill
running (3)
Key points:
the greater volumes of maximal expired volumes are due entirely to the combination of larger tidal volumes and
faster respiratory frequencies during cycling.
The different posture required in cycling is thought to be a factor in producing higher levels in all three variables /
OWTTE;
smaller muscle mass recruited in cycle ergometry as opposed to treadmill running results in greater maximal expired
volumes in order to maintain a given oxygen consumption;
reduced number of motor units recruited in cycle ergometry as opposed to treadmill running results in greater
maximal expired volumes in order to maintain a given oxygen consumption;
the static nature of the upper body muscle contraction puts increased stress on the respiratory pump to get blood
back into the chest cavity / makes the respiratory pump less effective;
crouched position on the bicycle = a decrease in thoracic volume; a lower efficiency of the peripheral muscle pump
when cycling compared to running; [3 max]
Nov Paper 5. Which term is defined as the volume of air breathed in and
2019 1 out in one breath? (1)
A. Pulmonary ventilation
B. Tidal volume
C. Vital capacity
D. Residual volume
2.1.4 Explain the mechanics of ventilation in the human lungs
Exhalation/Expiration Ventilation
Thorax Diaphragm
Key Terms
Air pressure
Inhalation/Inspirati
on
rc o stal Intern
rn a l Inte a
l Inter
E xte es Muscl costal
Muscl es
● Ventilation is the process of breathing
● Inhalation/Inspiration = the process of air moving into the lungs
● Exhalation/expiration = the process of air moving out of the lungs
● The movement of air in and out of the lungs is the result in a change
of pressure. This change of pressure is caused by the change in
volume of the thorax
● For air to enter the lungs, the pressure inside the lungs must be
lower than in the atmosphere
How do we breathe if our lungs are not a muscle?

● Watch the video about breathing here

● More detailed video here
● Unjumble the statements into 2 columns -

inhalation and exhalation
● Fill in the table in your workbook

Decide whether the following sentences go under the Exhalation or Inhalation.
The internal intercostal muscles contract. This moves The external intercostal muscles contract. This moves
the ribcage down & in. the ribcage up & out.
This results in a decrease in the volume of the thorax. The diaphragm contracts (moves down & becomes
relatively flat).
Both of these muscle contractions result in an increase As a result of the decrease in volume of the thorax, the
in the volume of the thorax, which in turn results in a pressure increases.
drop in pressure inside the thorax.
Eventually the pressure rises above atmospheric .Pressure eventually drops below atmospheric
pressure pressure.
Air then flow into the lungs from outside the body, Air flows out of the lungs to outside of the body
through the mouth or nose, trachea, bronchi, through the nose/mouth.
bronchioles, and alveoli.
Air continues to enter the lungs until the pressure Air continues to flow out of the lungs until the pressure
inside the lungs rises to the atmospheric pressure. in the lungs has fallen back to atmospheric pressure.
Inhalation Exhalation
The external intercostal muscles contract. This moves The internal intercostal muscles contract. This moves
the ribcage up & out. the ribcage down & in.
The diaphragm contracts (moves down & becomes This results in a decrease in the volume of the thorax.
relatively flat).
Both of these muscle contractions result in an increase As a result of the decrease in volume of the thorax, the
in the volume of the thorax, which in turn results in a pressure increases.
drop in pressure inside the thorax.
Pressure eventually drops below atmospheric Eventually the pressure rises above atmospheric
pressure. pressure.
Air then flow into the lungs from outside the body, Air flows out of the lungs to outside of the body
through the mouth or nose, trachea, bronchi, through the nose/mouth.
bronchioles, and alveoli.
Air continues to enter the lungs until the pressure Air continues to flow out of the lungs until the pressure
inside the lungs rises to the atmospheric pressure. in the lungs has fallen back to atmospheric pressure.
Inspiration:
Intercostal
• intercostal muscles between muscles pull ribs
the ribs contract, pulling the up and out
chest walls up and out
• the diaphragm muscle
below the lungs contracts and
flattens, increasing the size of
the chest
• the lungs increase in size,
so the pressure inside them
falls. This causes air to rush in Diaphragm
through the nose or mouth. contracts and
moves down
39 of 28 © Boardworks Ltd 2006

Exhalation:
Ribs move in • Intercostal muscles between
and down the ribs relax so that the chest
walls move in and down.
• The diaphragm muscle below
the lungs relaxes and bulges up,
reducing the size of the chest.
• The lungs decrease in size, so
the pressure inside increases
and air is pushed up the trachea
and out through the nose or
Diaphragm
mouth.
relaxes and
bulges up
40 of 28 © Boardworks Ltd 2006

What happens to our breathing

during intense exercise?
● During exercise additional muscles are

used to bring about changes in lung
volumes
● These muscles include:
abdominals/rectus abdominus/external
obliques (which act to force air out
faster)
● As a result breathing becomes deeper

and faster during exercise
Lung volumes vary with age, gender and body size. Discuss. (10 marks)
Answer :
All literature agrees that lung volumes are related to body size.
In order to support this point one would need to compare lung volumes of matching males
and females of the same height and body mass.
Results from investigation 2.13 could be used to support the fact that for a given body
mass and height there appears to be no difference in lung volumes between males and
females.
Increases in the pulmonary system parallels the same growth patterns in both males and
females.
So, as body size increases with growth, so does lung size and function.
Until the start of puberty, lung volumes for boys and girls do not significantly differ for the
same height and body mass.
During adolescence, females will generally have smaller lung volumes than males because
they are smaller in stature than their male counterparts.
Maximal minute ventilation (VEmax - where VE = TV x f) continues to increase with age
until physical maturity is reached and then decreases.
The reason for this reduction could be a more sedentary lifestyle that often occurs at late
adolescence.
On the other hand, one of the long-term effects of exercise is to enhance lung volumes.
Overview:
Phase Lung Volume / Quiet breathing Forced breathing

Pressure
Inspiration Volume increases Diaphragm & Diaphragm,
Pressure decreases external intercostals external intercostals,
pectoralis minor,
scalenes & SCM *
Expiration Volume decreases Passive Internal intercostals &
Pressure increases abdominals
* SCM (sternocleidomastoid) - lifts the

sternum
scalenes & pectoralis minor - lift the ribs
What factors affect lung volume?
Research: Lung volumes vary with age, gender and body size.
Discuss.
Nov 2009 Paper 7 Which best identifies the relationship between volume and pressure
1 inside the lungs when exhaling (breathing out)? (1)
Answer: D
Nov 2009 Paper 1 8 What is the significance of an increase in carbon dioxide in the control
of pulmonary ventilation? (1)
Answer: A
May 2011 Paper 4 (b) Explain the muscular mechanics involved in ventilation (6)
2
Inspiration: [3 max] intercostals contract; ribs move upwards; internal intercostals relax;
diaphragm contracts/flattens; increasing the volume of the cavity (thoracic); reducing the
pressure of the cavity (thoracic); this forces air to be drawn into the lungs;
Expiration: [3 max] intercostals relax; ribs move downwards; diaphragm relaxes; decreasing
the volume of the cavity (thoracic); increasing the pressure of the cavity (thoracic); this forces
air out of the lungs; [6 max]
Accept any of the marking points above on an annotated diagram.
May 2014 Paper 2 6 (d) Explain the mechanics of pulmonary ventilation in the human lungs during high
May 2019 intensity exercise (6)
5 (a) Describe the mechanics of ventilation during high intensity interval training (6)
3 (c) Explain the mechanics of inspiration for an athlete completing an aerobic fitness test.
Nov 2020 [4]
breathing in:
external intercostal muscles contract/ rib cage moves upwards and outwards
diaphragm flattens/contracts
thoracic cavity volume increases/lungs increase in size/capacity
thoracic cavity pressure decreases (therefore air rushes in)
air rushes in from high pressure to low pressure/inhalation continues as long as the pressure difference exists
breathing out:
external intercostal muscles relax
internal intercostal muscles contract
OR
rib cage moves down and inwards actively
diaphragm relaxes
additional muscles required when working during high intensity exercise would include abdominals/rectus abdominus/external obliques (which
act to force air out faster)
thoracic cavity volume decreases
thoracic cavity pressure increases (therefore air is forced out)
Lesson Objective
You must be able to identify 3 major controls of

ventilation during exercise
You should be able to describe each of these controls
You could know the specific locations of
chemoreceptors
Home learning: Watch the video attached to

consolidate your understanding and revisit your notes
for 2.1.5 for PPQ's
2.1.5 Describe nervous and chemical control of ventilation
during exercise
▪ Your rate of breathing is controlled by the Respiratory Centre

in your brain.
▪ The Respiratory Centre is in the Medulla Oblongata at the
base of your brain, at the top of the spinal column.
▪ The nerve cells in the medulla automatically send signals to
the diaphragm and intercostal muscles to contract and relax
at regular intervals.
▪ The Medulla Oblongata has two main centres to control the
rate at which we breathe.; the Inspiratory Centre and the
Expiratory Centre.
▪ These signals are influenced by Nervous and Chemical Control
during exercise
Ventilation can be controlled by the following:
1. Chemoreceptors (chemical)
2. Lung stretch receptors (nervous)
3. Muscle proprioceptors (nervous)
during exercise
1. Chemoreceptors (chemical
control)
Chemoreceptors are found in the

aorta (the artery leading out to
the heart), the carotid arteries
(to the brain) and the medulla.
The chemoreceptors job is to

detect changes in the pH levels
of the blood (blood acidity rises
due to increased C02 which
lowers pH levels) during
exercise.
They then send a signal to the

medulla telling it to correct the
changes.
Rate and depth of breathing

increases in order to return the
blood to normal homeostasis.
during exercise
2. Lung stretch
receptors (nervous)
➔ Found in the lungs
and chest wall.
➔ Monitor the amount
of stretch in this
organ.
➔ If the lungs become
over inflated they
will send a signal to
the respiratory
center to exhale and
inhibit inhalation.
➔ This mechanism
prevents damage to
the lungs that would
be caused by over
inhalation.
during exercise
‘Proprioception’ = perception or awareness of the position and movement of the

body.
3. Muscle proprioceptors (nervous)
➔ Proprioceptors are nerve cells found in

the muscles
➔ When movement/exercise occurs, a

signal is sent to the respiratory center
and the ventilation rate increases.
during exercise
Use the video here and the 2.1.5

additional reading sheet to help
you complete the following page
in your workbook.
during exercise
May Paper 9. What causes ventilation to increase during exercise? (1)

2012 1
A. Increased carbon dioxide level
B. High pH
C. Decreased blood acidity level
D. Lower carbon dioxide level
during exercise
May Paper 8. What can cause low pH levels in the blood during aerobic
2014 1 exercise?(1)
A. Increased carbon dioxide content

B. Increased hemoglobin content
C. Increased oxygen content
D. Increased phosphocreatine
during exercise
May Paper 9. Which stimulus increases ventilation rate and depth?(1)

2013 1
A. Increase in carbon dioxide
B. Decrease in carbon dioxide
C. Increase in blood pressure
D. Decreased activity of proprioceptors
during exercise
May Paper 4 (c) Outline the control of ventilation during exercise. (2)
2011 2
voluntary changes in higher centres of the brain;
peripheral chemoreceptors in carotid and aorta (O2, pH, CO2);
central chemoreceptors (pH, CO2);
proprioception in muscles and joints;
during exercise
May 2012 Paper 2 1 (g) Explain the difference in respiratory frequency with and without
hiking poles during downhill walking (2)
significantly higher values of respiratory frequency have been reported for walking with versus
without poles;
chemoreceptors/changes in CO2/blood acidity levels (low pH) due to presence of hydrogen ions
would have stimulated respiratory frequency due to higher workload in both conditions;
lung stretch receptors/muscle proprioceptors i.e. when using poles, with the increase in the
propulsive action of the upper body the interaction of the ventilatory rhythm may be impacted
upon due to the proximity of the respiratory and locomotor muscles due to muscle
proprioceptors / OWTTE;
respiratory frequency/energy cost is higher when using poles (due to the added weight of the
poles); combined with eccentric exercise involved with downhill walking, using the poles may
have resulted in different/less efficient walk mechanics;
it is also likely that an arm swing while using hiking poles increases energy expenditure when
contrasted with a natural and smooth no pole arm action
during exercise
Nov 2014 Paper 2 5 (b) Outline how both the nervous system and the chemical composition
of blood control the rate of breathing during exercise (5)
Nervous system:
● Breathing is controlled by the nervous system which automatically increases/decreases the rate, depth
and rhythm of breathing OR breathing rate is manipulated by the autonomic nervous
system/sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves.
● Respiratory centre is found in the medulla oblongata in the brain.
● During respiration, nerve impulses are sent to the inspirationary muscles (external intercostals and
diaphragm) causing them to contract.
● Breathing rate increases during exercise as the expiratory centre sends impulses to the expiratory
muscles (internal intercostals) which speeds up the expiratory process OR breathing rate increases
during exercise due to stimulation to the respiratory centre from the action of muscles
● Regulation of breathing is aided by stretch receptors in the lungs and bronchioles, which prevent over
inflation of the lungs.
Chemical composition of blood:
● increased CO2/lactic acid during exercise is detected by chemoreceptors which sends the information to
the respiratory centre in the medulla of the brain.
3 marks max for nervous system, 3 marks max for chemical composition of blood]
during exercise
Nov 2018 Paper 2 5 (a) Outline the chemical control of ventilation during exercise (3)
ventilation is «chemically» regulated by blood acidity levels/low pH ✔

blood acidity levels increase/pH drops due to an increase in carbon dioxide
levels ✔
blood acidity levels are detected by chemoreceptors ✔

medulla oblongata/ANS/respiratory control centre receive information from
receptors ✔
increased blood acidity «and information from the proprioceptors» increases the
depth / rate of ventilation ✔
during exercise
Nov Paper 6 (c) Describe how breathing is controlled during exercise (5)
2019 2
an increase in CO2 causes a decrease in pH ✔
decrease in pH is detected by the chemoreceptors ✔
movement is detected by the proprioceptors ✔
this stimulates the ANS to increase the depth of breathing ✔
baroreceptors inform the ANS to increase the rate of breathing ✔
the increase in rate of breathing causes the lungs to stretch further ✔
Learning Objective
You must outline the role of hemoglobin in oxygen

transportation
You must explain the process of gas exchange at the
alveoli
You should be able to describe what hemoglobin is
You could explain the differences in gas exchange in

a trained vs untrained person
2.1.6 Outline the role of hemoglobin in oxygen transportation
What is hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is the protein

molecule in red blood cells.
What is its role in oxygen

transportation?
● Oxygen binds with

hemoglobin to form
oxyhemoglobin
● It is carried from the lungs to

the body's tissues - and
returns carbon dioxide from
the tissues back to the lungs.
May Paper 4 What is the main role of hemoglobin during exercise? (1)
2011 1
A. To transport ATP to the muscles

B. To transport the excess hydrogen ions produced by the muscles
C. To carry oxygen for dissociation at the muscle tissues
D. To change the pH of the blood
May Paper 2 6 (e) Outline the role of hemoglobin in the transportation of gases in
2014 the body of a trained athlete (3)
Hemoglobin carries oxygen in red blood cells from the lungs to the working tissues to be
used
Or
Carries oxygen from the lungs which has diffused across the tissue membranes (down a
concentration gradient)
It then transports carbon dioxide in the red blood cells/carries carbon dioxide from the
working tissues to the lungs to be expired
Hemoglobin has a high affinity (combines easily) for oxygen
Higher amounts of hemoglobin will be found in a trained athlete

2.1.7 Explain the process of gas exchange at the alveoli
GAS EXCHANGE takes place via diffusion between capillaries and the alveoli
GAS EXCHANGE takes place via diffusion

Diffusion
- the movement of gas molecules from an area of high partial pressure to an area
of low partial pressure
Diffusion will only occur if

there is a difference in partial
pressure. This difference is
called a diffusion gradient.
Diffusion continues until
there is no pressure
difference i.e. no diffusion
gradient
Watch the videos on gas exchange here

and here
During exercise what factors will change the diffusion gradients?
pO2 in the muscle Steeper diffusion gradient

Increased use of O2 in the
decreases between blood and
muscle for increased
(from 40mmHg at rest can muscle facilitates diffusion
energy production
be as low as 0mmHg) of O2 into muscle
Steeper diffusion gradient

Increased production of
pCO2 in the muscle rises between blood and
CO2 in the muscle as a
(from 46mmHg at rest up muscle facilitates diffusion
result of increased energy
to 90mmHg) of CO2 out of muscle and
production
into blood
What about diffusion gradients in the lungs?
As a result of the changes in working muscle the blood returning to the heart and lungs has
a different pO2 and pCO2 during exercise compared to at rest
The lower pO2 and higher pCO2 facilitate diffusion between the blood and the alveoli as
pO2 and pCO2 in the alveoli are unchanged during exercise.
May Paper 8 (e)/ 7 (c) Explain the process of gaseous

2013/ 2 exchange at the alveoli (6)
2019
gas exchange occurs between the alveoli and the

capillaries via diffusion.
alveoli are small hollow sacs connecting to the
bronchioles
the walls of the alveoli are lined by just one cell layer,
allowing for gas exchange
oxygen passes from the alveoli to the capillaries
(because the partial pressure of oxygen in the lung is
higher than in the arteries of the alveoli during
inspiration
carbon dioxide passes from the capillaries to the
alveoli because partial pressure of carbon dioxide in
the lung is less than that in the alveoli.
pressure difference allows carbon dioxide to diffuse
into the lung and back into the atmosphere
May Paper 6 (b) Discuss the process of gaseous exchange at the alveoli
2018 2 during exercise (4)
gases diffuse across the alveoli membrane ✔

the membrane is very thin / one cell thick to allow this movement ✔
movement is from high to low partial pressure/concentration ✔
oxygen partial pressure / concentration is higher in air breathed in compared to
blood ✔
carbon dioxide has higher partial pressure / concentration in blood compared to
lungs ✔
greater volumes of gases diffuse across the alveoli membrane when exercising ✔
the diffusion gradient in alveoli is maintained by ventilation ✔
Nov Paper 6. What promotes passive diffusion during inspiration?

2020 1
Answer: C
Explain why?

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Topic: 2 Exercise

2.1 Structure and function of

To know the structure of the ventilatory

To understand how the ventilatory

Students must be able to list the principle

Watch the video and read page 33 of your course companion

Complete section 2.1.1 of your workbook

Functions in more detail:

Filter: Defence against chemicals and

Mouth Can also be an entry point for air

Bronchus The trachea divides into two of these.

Bronchioles Each bronchi branches repeatedly into many of these

May Paper 1 4. What is a basic function of the interior structure of the

Warming/moistening of air. Defence/filtering of chemicals/harmful substances that

You must be able to define the terms pulmonary ventilation,

You should be able to state what happens to the lung volumes

You could investigate their own breathing using the

Watch the video here

As you watch, fill in the definitions

Recap your learning here:

Watch the video from 2:39

Investigation: collecting data about normal breathing

1. Under your teacher’s supervision, collect data by making a

Who has the strongest lungs? Explain why.

What happens to each of these lung volumes during exercise?

May 2014 Paper 1 4. What is vital capacity? (1)

A. The volume of air in the lungs after maximum inhalation

1 (a) Define the term tidal volume? (1)

the volume of air inspired or expired (per breath)

● Ventilation is the process of breathing

● Inhalation/Inspiration = the process of air moving into the lungs

● Exhalation/expiration = the process of air moving out of the lungs

How do we breathe if our lungs are not a muscle?

● Watch the video about breathing here

● Unjumble the statements into 2 columns -

● Fill in the table in your workbook

39 of 28 © Boardworks Ltd 2006

40 of 28 © Boardworks Ltd 2006

What happens to our breathing

● During exercise additional muscles are

● As a result breathing becomes deeper

Phase Lung Volume / Quiet breathing Forced breathing

* SCM (sternocleidomastoid) - lifts the

You must be able to identify 3 major controls of

Home learning: Watch the video attached to

▪ Your rate of breathing is controlled by the Respiratory Centre

Ventilation can be controlled by the following:

Chemoreceptors are found in the

The chemoreceptors job is to

They then send a signal to the

Rate and depth of breathing

‘Proprioception’ = perception or awareness of the position and movement of the

3. Muscle proprioceptors (nervous)

➔ Proprioceptors are nerve cells found in

➔ When movement/exercise occurs, a

Use the video here and the 2.1.5

May Paper 9. What causes ventilation to increase during exercise? (1)

A. Increased carbon dioxide content

May Paper 9. Which stimulus increases ventilation rate and depth?(1)

ventilation is «chemically» regulated by blood acidity levels/low pH ✔

blood acidity levels are detected by chemoreceptors ✔

You must outline the role of hemoglobin in oxygen

You should be able to describe what hemoglobin is

You could explain the differences in gas exchange in