Chapter 1: respiration

Our body uses oxygen, and gives off carbon dioxide and water vapour
during respiration. How do these gases enter and leave our body?

Objective
Using a functional model of the human respiratory system to show the
relationship between the air pressure in the thoracic cavity and the
breathing mechanism.

Apparatus and Materials

Bell jar, straws, rubber stopper, thin rubber sheet and balloons.

Model of the human respiratory system

PARTS OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

represented BY THE BELL JAR

Bell jar
Straws
Balloons
Rubber sheet

- thoracic cavity
- trachea and bronchi
- lungs
- diaphragm

Procedure
First, we prepared the apparatus and materials needed to build the model.
Next, we set up the model of the respiratory system as shown in the figure
above. Then, we pulled the rubber sheet downwards and observed what
happens. After that, we pushed the rubber sheet upwards into the jar and
observed what happens.

Observation
When the rubber sheet is pulled downwards, the balloons inflate. When
the rubber sheet is pushed upwards into the bell jar, the balloons deflate.

Explanation
1. Inhalation

When the rubber sheet is pulled down, the volume of the air in the bell jar
increases. This makes the air pressure in the bell jar to decrease. So, the
air pressure outside the bell jar forces air into the balloons, making them
expand.

2. Exhalation
When the rubber sheet is pushed upwards into the bell jar, the volume of
the air in the bell jar decreases. This makes the air pressure in the bell jar
to increase. So, the air pressure inside the bell jar forces air out of the
balloons.

WHAT IS
DONE

CONDITION
OF THE
BALLOON
S

PRESSURE
INSIDE
THE BELL
JAR

VOLUME OF
AIR IN
THE BELL
JAR

Rubber sheet
pulled
downwa
rds.

The balloons
inflate.

Low

High

Rubber sheet
pushed
upwards
.

The balloons
deflate.

High

Low

Questions
1. What is the purpose of the experiment?
To investigate the air pressure involved in breathing mechanism.

2. What is the relationship between air pressure inside the bell

jar and condition of the balloons?
When the air pressure inside the bell jar is higher, the balloons will
deflate. When the air pressure inside the bell jar is lower, the balloons
will inflate.

3. What is the conclusion of this experiment?

When the air pressure in the thoracic cavity is lower, the air will be
forced into the lungs. When the air pressure in the thoracic cavity is
higher, the air will be forced out of the lungs.

References
Science text book of form 3
Science NEXUS PMR book by Lau Hut Yee
Webpage of http://www.tutorvista.com/content/biology/biologyiv/respiration-animals/breathing-mechanism.php
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