RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

DIAPHRAGM
BREATHING MECHANISM:

Inhalation:

Diaphragm contracts and moves down. External

intercostal muscles contract to push the rib cage out
and up. This increases space for the lungs to expand.

Exhalation:

Diaphragm relaxes and moves up. External intercostal

muscles relax to pull the rib cage in and down. This
decreases space since the lungs are getting smaller.
A spirometer is
used to
measure the
volume of air
inhaled and
exhaled.
 When swallowing food, the
epiglottis closes down on the
trachea’s entrance. This prevents
food from entering the trachea.
The trachea has
rings made of
cartilage to keep
it open.
DIRECTION OF AIR
FLOW IN LUNGS:

Trachea  Bronchi 
Bronchioles  Alveoli
The trachea
and bronchi
are supported
by cartilage
rings. Why?
Alveoli have elastic membranes that allow
them to inflate and recoil. The alveoli are
surrounded by only one layer of cells. This
makes gas exchange easier.
• 300 million
alveoli

• 135 m2 of
surface
area

• Discuss the
function of
elastin
proteins
At the alveoli, simple diffusion occurs. Oxygen moves
into the blood, and carbon dioxide moves
into the alveoli.
EARTHWORM PRINCIPLE:

• Gases can only move across a membrane if it

is wet (moist).
• An earthworm exchanges oxygen and carbon
dioxide with its wet skin.
• The inside of the lungs must be moist so that
oxygen and carbon dioxide can be exchanged.
• Red blood cells pick up oxygen and drop
off carbon dioxide
• Red blood cells are covered in a red
pigmented protein called hemoglobin
• To make hemoglobin, we need iron in our
diet.
• Without enough iron, a person suffers
from iron-deficiency anemia
Tidal Volume: 500 mls (normal breathing)
Inspiratory reserve volume: 2 to 3 liters
(deep inhalation)
Expiratory reserve volume: 1 liter (deep
exhalation)
Residual volume: 1 liter
Vital Capacity: sum of the volume of air
entering and leaving during a deep breath
How does tobacco affect cilia in the respiratory tract?
Tobacco paralyzes the cilia in the trachea and
increases mucus production. This causes dust,
bacteria and other substances to accumulate in
the lungs. SMOKER’S COUGH.
Factors that Decrease Respiratory Rate:

• Rest; sleep
• Drugs
• Fresh air
Factors that Increase the Respiratory Rate:

• Exercise
• Weight (more tissue = more oxygen
requirement)
• Anxiety
• Drugs
• Altitude
• Smoking
• Illness
• Air pollution (carbon dioxide emissions)
Lime water turns a “milky color” in the
presence of carbon dioxide
What happens during an asthma attack?

A trigger causes the smooth muscles

around the bronchioles to contract. This
causes the airway to collapse, thereby
reducing airflow. Moreover, there is
inflammation and mucus blocking the
passage.
Bronchitis: mucus accumulation and inflammation within the bronchioles
What does the acronym CPR stand for?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

30 PUMPS AND 2 BREATHS

• Compress chest about 2 inches deep

• Compressions should be to the rhythm of
the song, “Staying Alive”
Low intensity, high endurance
What are some other examples of
aerobic exercise?
Why is weight lifting anaerobic exercise?
Aerobic Exercise: low intensity; high
endurance. Enough oxygen supplied to
muscles.

Anaerobic Exercise: high intensity; low

endurance. Not enough oxygen
supplied to muscles. Muscles produce
lactic acid.