Breathing

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The exchange of gases

Aerobic respiration is the process of releasing energy
through the oxidation of glucose molecules:

glucose

oxygen

Oxygen is breathed
into the lungs and is
transported in blood.

carbon
dioxide

water ( + energy)

Carbon dioxide and water are formed

as waste products in cells. They can
be excreted when we breathe out.

The respiratory system carries out gas exchange. It is made

up of the lungs, intercostal muscles, diaphragm and airways.
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Parts of the respiratory system

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The mechanism of ventilation

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Exercise, respiration and ventilation

Energy is used up by the active
muscles during exercise.
The rate of respiration must
therefore increase to supply
enough energy to the muscles.
This means that more oxygen
must be breathed in and more
carbon dioxide breathed out.
During exercise, why does:
the heart rate increase
the rate and depth of breathing increase
the arteries supplying the muscles dilate?
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Running and breathing rates

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Carbon dioxide
The brain can detect the level of carbon dioxide in cells.
When the level of carbon dioxide
increases during exercise, the brain
must coordinate ways to prevent the
levels reaching toxic levels.
One way the brain deals with
a build up of carbon dioxide
during exercise is by increasing
the rate of breathing.
This increases the rate of gas
exchange and the removal of
carbon dioxide from the lungs.
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