Human Physiology Breathing And Exchange Of Gases

Breathing and Exchange of Gases

Concepts:

• Respiratory System: Composed of lungs, airways, respiratory muscles, and respiratory centre in the medulla oblongata.
• Mechanism of Breathing: Involves inhalation and exhalation due to contraction and relaxation of diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
• Gas Exchange: Oxygen diffuses into the blood and carbon dioxide diffuses out, occurring in the alveoli.
• Respiratory Volumes and Capacities: Includes tidal volume, residual volume, inspiratory reserve volume, expiratory reserve volume and total lung capacity.
• Transport of Respiratory Gases: Oxygen bound to haemoglobin in blood, while carbon dioxide transported as bicarbonate ions and carbaminohaemoglobin.
• Regulation of Respiration: Controlled by respiratory centre in medulla oblongata, responding to changes in partial pressures of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood.
• Respiratory Adaptations: Adjustments in respiratory rate, tidal volume and breathing depth in response to exercise, altitude and other conditions.
• Disorders of the Respiratory System: Examples include asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, and pneumonia.