The respiratory systemis crucial for breathing and gas exchange... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
19
0
CCEA GCSE PE -Respiratory System
Respiratory System During Exercise
Exercise significantly impacts the functioning of the respiratory system, leading to increased ventilation and more efficient gas exchange.
Inspiration During Exercise
- Intercostal muscles contract more forcefully, pulling the rib cage up and out.
- The diaphragm contracts and flattens more than during rest.
- The chest cavity expands further, causing a greater drop in lung pressure.
- Air rushes into the alveoli more rapidly due to the increased pressure difference.
Highlight: The rate and depth of breathing increase during exercise to meet the body's increased oxygen demand.
Expiration During Exercise
- Intercostal muscles relax, allowing the ribs to return to their normal position.
- The diaphragm relaxes and moves upward.
- The chest cavity decreases in size, increasing pressure in the lungs.
- Air is forcefully expelled from the lungs and alveoli.
Example: During intense exercise, you might notice yourself actively pushing air out, unlike the passive expiration during rest.
Differences Between Inhaled and Exhaled Air
The composition of air changes significantly as it passes through the respiratory system:
Inhaled Air:
- Oxygen: 20.95%
- Nitrogen: 79%
- Carbon Dioxide: 0.04%
- Water Vapor: 0.01%
Exhaled Air:
- Oxygen: 16%
- Nitrogen: 79%
- Carbon Dioxide: 4.0%
- Water Vapor: 1%
Highlight: The most notable changes are the decrease in oxygen content and the significant increase in carbon dioxide and water vapor in exhaled air.
These changes reflect the gas exchange process in the lungs, where oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed from the body.
Vocabulary: Gaseous exchange refers to the process by which oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the surrounding capillaries.
Understanding the respiratory system and its response to exercise is crucial for GCSE PE students. It helps explain how the body adapts to meet increased oxygen demands during physical activity and how regular exercise can improve respiratory function over time.
Respiratory System Overview
The respiratory system is a complex network of organs and structures that enable breathing and gas exchange. It includes the nose, nasal cavity, mouth, throat, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli within the lungs.
Definition: The respiratory system is responsible for transporting air into the lungs, facilitating the diffusion of oxygen into the blood, and removing carbon dioxide and other gases from the blood.
Key components of the respiratory system include:
- Nose, nasal cavity, and mouth: These structures warm, filter, and moisten incoming air.
- Throat : Air passes through these structures on its way to the lungs.
- Trachea : The main airway leading to the lungs.
- Bronchi and bronchioles: Smaller airways that branch out within the lungs.
- Alveoli: Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs.
Highlight: The trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles are lined with mucous membrane and cilia, which help to trap and remove particles from the air.
Short-term Effects of Exercise on the Respiratory System
During exercise, the respiratory system undergoes several immediate changes:
- Changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations trigger increased nervous impulses.
- Intercostal muscles and diaphragm work harder to expand the thoracic cavity and draw in more air.
Long-term Effects of Training on the Respiratory System
Regular exercise leads to several adaptations in the respiratory system:
- Increased strength of respiratory muscles .
- Increased vital capacity, allowing for greater air intake.
- Increased number and diameter of capillaries surrounding the alveoli, improving gas exchange efficiency.
Vocabulary: Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after taking the deepest breath possible. For men, it's typically 4-5 litres, and for women, 3-4 litres.
Mechanics of Breathing
Inspiration (Breathing In)
During rest:
- Diaphragm moves down.
- External intercostal muscles contract.
- Ribs move out and up.
- Chest cavity volume increases, lowering air pressure and drawing air into the alveoli.
Example: This process is similar to pulling the handle of a bicycle pump, which creates a low-pressure area that draws air in.
Expiration (Breathing Out)
During rest:
- External intercostal muscles relax.
- Diaphragm moves up.
- Ribs move down and in.
- Chest cavity volume decreases, pushing carbon dioxide out of the lungs.
Highlight: Expiration is typically a passive process during rest but becomes active during exercise.
Gas Exchange and Diffusion
Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli through diffusion:
Definition: Diffusion is the natural movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
- Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the bloodstream.
- Carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.
Vocabulary: Minute ventilation is the amount of air breathed in one minute, measured in litres. It increases during exercise as both breathing rate and depth increase.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
GCSE PE Respiratory System - Easy Revision Guide!
The respiratory systemis crucial for breathing and gas exchange in the human body. It consists of various organs working together to transport air, facilitate oxygen absorption, and remove carbon dioxide. This system plays a vital role in supporting physical... Show more
Respiratory System During Exercise
Exercise significantly impacts the functioning of the respiratory system, leading to increased ventilation and more efficient gas exchange.
Inspiration During Exercise
- Intercostal muscles contract more forcefully, pulling the rib cage up and out.
- The diaphragm contracts and flattens more than during rest.
- The chest cavity expands further, causing a greater drop in lung pressure.
- Air rushes into the alveoli more rapidly due to the increased pressure difference.
Highlight: The rate and depth of breathing increase during exercise to meet the body's increased oxygen demand.
Expiration During Exercise
- Intercostal muscles relax, allowing the ribs to return to their normal position.
- The diaphragm relaxes and moves upward.
- The chest cavity decreases in size, increasing pressure in the lungs.
- Air is forcefully expelled from the lungs and alveoli.
Example: During intense exercise, you might notice yourself actively pushing air out, unlike the passive expiration during rest.
Differences Between Inhaled and Exhaled Air
The composition of air changes significantly as it passes through the respiratory system:
Inhaled Air:
- Oxygen: 20.95%
- Nitrogen: 79%
- Carbon Dioxide: 0.04%
- Water Vapor: 0.01%
Exhaled Air:
- Oxygen: 16%
- Nitrogen: 79%
- Carbon Dioxide: 4.0%
- Water Vapor: 1%
Highlight: The most notable changes are the decrease in oxygen content and the significant increase in carbon dioxide and water vapor in exhaled air.
These changes reflect the gas exchange process in the lungs, where oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed from the body.
Vocabulary: Gaseous exchange refers to the process by which oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the surrounding capillaries.
Understanding the respiratory system and its response to exercise is crucial for GCSE PE students. It helps explain how the body adapts to meet increased oxygen demands during physical activity and how regular exercise can improve respiratory function over time.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Respiratory System Overview
The respiratory system is a complex network of organs and structures that enable breathing and gas exchange. It includes the nose, nasal cavity, mouth, throat, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli within the lungs.
Definition: The respiratory system is responsible for transporting air into the lungs, facilitating the diffusion of oxygen into the blood, and removing carbon dioxide and other gases from the blood.
Key components of the respiratory system include:
- Nose, nasal cavity, and mouth: These structures warm, filter, and moisten incoming air.
- Throat : Air passes through these structures on its way to the lungs.
- Trachea : The main airway leading to the lungs.
- Bronchi and bronchioles: Smaller airways that branch out within the lungs.
- Alveoli: Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs.
Highlight: The trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles are lined with mucous membrane and cilia, which help to trap and remove particles from the air.
Short-term Effects of Exercise on the Respiratory System
During exercise, the respiratory system undergoes several immediate changes:
- Changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations trigger increased nervous impulses.
- Intercostal muscles and diaphragm work harder to expand the thoracic cavity and draw in more air.
Long-term Effects of Training on the Respiratory System
Regular exercise leads to several adaptations in the respiratory system:
- Increased strength of respiratory muscles .
- Increased vital capacity, allowing for greater air intake.
- Increased number and diameter of capillaries surrounding the alveoli, improving gas exchange efficiency.
Vocabulary: Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after taking the deepest breath possible. For men, it's typically 4-5 litres, and for women, 3-4 litres.
Mechanics of Breathing
Inspiration (Breathing In)
During rest:
- Diaphragm moves down.
- External intercostal muscles contract.
- Ribs move out and up.
- Chest cavity volume increases, lowering air pressure and drawing air into the alveoli.
Example: This process is similar to pulling the handle of a bicycle pump, which creates a low-pressure area that draws air in.
Expiration (Breathing Out)
During rest:
- External intercostal muscles relax.
- Diaphragm moves up.
- Ribs move down and in.
- Chest cavity volume decreases, pushing carbon dioxide out of the lungs.
Highlight: Expiration is typically a passive process during rest but becomes active during exercise.
Gas Exchange and Diffusion
Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli through diffusion:
Definition: Diffusion is the natural movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
- Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the bloodstream.
- Carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.
Vocabulary: Minute ventilation is the amount of air breathed in one minute, measured in litres. It increases during exercise as both breathing rate and depth increase.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user