Physiology of the Cardiovascular

and Respiratory Systems

Dr. Afaq Ahmad; PT

Functions of the Respiratory System

Air Distributor
Gas exchanger
Filters, warms, and humidifies air
Influences speech
Allows for sense of smell
 Divisions of the Respiratory System

Upper respiratory tract

(outside thorax)
Nose
Nasal Cavity
Sinuses
Pharynx
Larynx
 Divisions of the Respiratory System

 Lower respiratory
tract (within
thorax)

 Trachea
 Bronchial Tree
 Lungs
 Respiratory Physiology
• Pulmonary Ventilation =
breathing
Mechanism
• Movement of gases
through a pressure
gradient - hi to low.
• When atmospheric
pressure (760 mmHg)
is greater than lung
pressure ---- air flows
in = inspiration.
• When lung pressure is
greater than
atmospheric pressure
---- air flows out =
expiration.
 Respiratory Physiology
• Pressure gradients are
established by changes
in thoracic cavity.
• increase size in thorax =
a decrease in pressure
--- air moves in.
• Decrease size in thorax
= increase in pressure
--- air moves out.
 TWO DISTINCT RESPIRATION

Internal or cellular respiration:-refers to the intracellular metabolic

processes carried out within the mitochondria, which use oxygen
and produce carbon dioxide during derivation of energy from
nutrient molecules.
External respiration:-refers to the sequence of events involved in
the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the external
environment and cellular respiration.
BULK TRANSPORT
In general, gases are not moved through membranes by active
transport. The greatest enhancements to moving gases are
collectively called bulk transport or Exocytosis.
 Types of Respiration
• Aerobic respiration When you exercise at a steady, comfortable rate, the
cardiovascular system is able to supply the muscles with all the oxygen
they need. Under these conditions, aerobic respiration takes place.
glucose + oxygen energy + carbon dioxide + water Aerobic exercise can
be maintained for long periods without the performer getting breathless
or suffering muscle cramps. Moderate activities like walking, jogging,
cycling and swimming use aerobic respiration.
• Anaerobic respiration When you exercise at a high intensity, the
cardiovascular system cannot supply enough oxygen to the muscles.
Under these conditions, anaerobic respiration takes place. glucose energy
+ lactic acid ,no oxygen available, glucose is burned to produce energy
and lactic acid. Lactic acid is a mild poison. As it builds up, it causes
muscle pain and eventually cramp. Short, intense activities like sprinting,
weightlifting, jumping and throwing use anaerobic respiration
 Breathing During Exercise
• Muscle cell respiration increases – more oxygen is
used up and levels of CO2 rise. The brain detects
increasing levels of CO2 – a signal is sent to the
lungs to increase breathing. Breathing rate and the
volume of air in each breath increase. This means
that more gaseous exchange takes place. The brain
also tells the heart to beat faster so that more
blood is pumped to the lungs for gaseous exchange.
More oxygenated blood gets to the muscles and
more CO2 is removed.