2.1 Structure and function of the Ventilatory System

Aim 7: There are numerous technologies used to facilitate direct measurement in respiratory research (for example, spirometer, online gas analysis).

• List the principal structures of the ventilatory system

  • Name them

  • Annotate a diagram of the ventilatory system (see picture below)

• Outline the functions of the conducting airways

  • For each of the principla structures-- what is their function?

  • Function of the system as a whole?

• Define the following terms:

  • Pulmonary Ventilation

  • Total Lung Capacity (TLC)

  • Vital Capacity (VC)

  • Tidal Volume (TV)

  • Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)

  • Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

  • Residual Volume (RV)

• Explain the mechanics of ventilation in the human lungs

  • What is the role of the diaphragm? Inhalation? Exhalation?

  • External intercostal muscles? Inhalation? Exhalation?

  • Internal intercostal muscles? Inhalation? Exhalation?

  • Abdominal muscles? Inhalation? Exhalation?

  • What is the relationship between pressure and volume?

  • How do the mechanics change with exercise?

• Describe the nervous and chemical control of ventilation during exercise

  • What part of the brain controls respiration?

  • Role of stretch receptors?

  • Role of proprioreceptors?

  • Role of chemoreceptors?

    • What chemicals are they responsible for sensing?

    • What is role of dissolved carbon dioxide, Bicarboante Ion, carbaminohaemoglobin?

  • What is the main regulator of breathing?

  • What is anaerobic threshold?

• Outline the role of hemoglobin in oxygen transport

  • What is the role of hemoglobin?

  • How much oxygen is transported via hemoglobin? (%) oxyhaemoglobin

• Explain the process of gaseous exchange at the alveoli

  • Why do we refer to it as partial pressure and not concentration?

  • What happens in the alveoli?

  • How many cells must the gases pass through to get from atmosphere to capillary (and visa versa)?

  • Is this active transport or passive transport?

  • How is is it different from at rest to during exercise?

Pulse Oximeters

Vernier Spirometer Lab

Suggest reasons for the difference in the value of maximal volume expired for cycle ergometry and treadmill running.

Describe the mechanics of inspiration in the final stages of a cycling race.

Explain the mechanics of pulmonary ventilation in the human lungs at rest.

Explain the mechanics of exhalation in the human lungs during the initial stages of sub-maximal exercise.

Explain the mechanics of pulmonary ventilation in the human lungs during high intensity exercise.

Explain the muscular mechanics involved in ventilation.

Outline the chemical control of ventilation during exercise.

Outline how both the nervous system and the chemical composition of blood control the rate of breathing during exercise.

Outline the role of hemoglobin in the transportation of gases in the body of a trained athlete.

Outline the role of hemoglobin in oxygen transport.

Describe the process of oxygen exchange between the lungs and pulmonary capillaries at rest.

Discuss the process of gaseous exchange at the alveoli during exercise.

Explain the process of gaseous exchange between the lungs and pulmonary capillaries at rest and during exercise.

Explain the process of gaseous exchange at the alveoli.

Outline the chemical control of ventilation during exercise.

Explain the process of gaseous exchange at the alveoli.

Describe the exchange of carbon dioxide from the bloodstream during exercise.

Explain the reason for elevated breathing in the first minutes after a swimming sprint. (topic 3.3)

List two structures of the ventilatory system. Describe the function of the conducting airways in maintaining a healthy state.