Respiratory responses and adaptations

Overview

Breathing rate and depth in exercise, gas exchange, minute ventilation with a calculation, the respiratory muscles and their training, EPOC, breathing after a sprint and vital capacity.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   How does breathing respond to exercise?

   Model answer

   The rate and depth of breathing both increase during exercise. More air moves in and out of the lungs each minute.

2. 2

   Why do breathing rate and depth increase during exercise?

   Model answer

   Active muscles produce more carbon dioxide, which chemoreceptors detect. The brain signals the respiratory muscles to work harder.

3. 3

   How does gas exchange change during exercise?

   Model answer

   More oxygen diffuses into the blood and more carbon dioxide diffuses out in the lungs. A steeper concentration gradient speeds exchange in the muscles too.

4. 4

   What is minute ventilation?

   Model answer

   Minute ventilation is the volume of air breathed in or out per minute. Minute ventilation equals tidal volume multiplied by breathing rate.

5. 5

   A performer breathes 40 times a minute with a tidal volume of 2.5 litres. What is the minute ventilation?

   Model answer

   The minute ventilation is 100 litres per minute. The working is 40 × 2.5 = 100 litres per minute.

6. 6

   Which muscles control breathing during exercise?

   Model answer

   The diaphragm and external intercostals work harder during inhalation. Abdominal muscles and internal intercostals help force air out.

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