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Class 7 Respiration
Class 7 Respiration
Lungs are present in the chest cavity, which is surrounded by ribs on the sides. The
ribs form a cage-like structure called the ribcage. A large muscular sheet called
diaphragm forms the base of the ribcage. The diaphragm contract and relax all the
time.
Breathing:
Breathing is a continuous process in which humans breathe in and breathe out air
from the body. It is an involuntary action controlled by the brain.
Breathing consists of two phases: inhalation, the process of taking in air and
exhalation the process of giving out air.
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Mechanism of Breathing:
During inhalation, the diaphragm contract, it flattens and increases the space inside
the chest cavity. This makes the air breathe in and so chest rises and the air outside
rushes into lungs. During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes, it decreases the space
inside the chest cavity. This makes the air breathe out and so the chest moves
inward and the expelled out.
The air that breathes in passes through the nostrils. The hair and mucus present in
the nostril trap dust and germs present in the air. The air then enters a tube-like
structure called the trachea (windpipe). The trachea divides at the lower end into
narrow tubes called bronchi. The bronchi further divided into numerous extremely
narrow tubes called bronchioles in each lung. These tubes open into tiny air sacs
called alveoli. The walls of the alveoli are lined with a network of blood vessels and
capillaries to facilitate the exchange of gases.
Gaseous exchange:
In respiration, the exchange of gases takes place between the alveoli of the lungs
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In respiration, the exchange of gases takes place between the alveoli of the lungs
and the capillaries surrounding it.
When fresh air enters the alveoli, oxygen from the air passes into the blood in the
capillaries and binds to the red blood cells. At the same time, carbon dioxide passes
out of the blood into the alveoli. This entire process is known as gaseous exchange.
Cellular respiration:
The RBCs (in blood) contain a protein celled haemoglobin which binds with the
oxygen and forms a compound called oxyhaemoglobin. Oxyhaemoglobin is carried
through the blood to all the cells of the body. In the cells, oxygen is released from
oxyhaemoglobin. Cells use this oxygen to breakdown glucose (sugar) to form
carbon dioxide and water and energy is released. The carbon dioxide generated
diffuses into the blood. The blood carries it back to the lungs where it is expelled
during exhalation.
Breathing Rate
The number of times a person breathes in a minute is called the breathing rate. At
rest, a person breathes almost 14 to 16 times in a minute. During vigorous exercise
or while brisk walking, the breathing rate increases.
Note: The muscle cells in our body normally carry out aerobic respiration, but when
we run fast for exercise vigorously the muscle cells work faster and require more
energy. Then they respire anaerobically for a short period of time. This produces
lactic acid and the person develops cramps temporarily and is forced to rest for a
while.
Respiration in Microorganisms:
In microorganisms such as Amoeba, the exchange of gases takes place through
their most body surface.
Respiration in Earthworm
In animals that live in the soil, such as earthworms and leeches the exchange of
gases takes place through the slimy surface of the skin.
Respiration in Insects:
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Respiration in Insects:
Respiratory system of an insect such as grasshopper and Cockroaches is known as
the tracheal system. It is made up of spiracles and trachea. An insect takes air
through tiny holes called spiracles which are located on the body. Spiracles open
into narrow tubes called traceae, which carry the oxygen to different parts of the
body. Carbon dioxide diffuses out through the trachea and exit through the spiracles.
Respiration in Birds
Birds have lungs with air sacs.
Respiration in Amphibians
Amphibians like frogs, newts and salamander are both aquatic and terrestrial. Frogs
have lungs, but they use their skin for the exchange of gases when in water. They
use their lungs when on land.
Respiration in Plants:
Plants also respire by taking in oxygen and giving out carbon dioxide.
• The leaves of most plants have tiny pores called stomata on the underside.
Guard cells on either side of the stomata regulate their opening and closing.
• Roots of plants also need oxygen to respire. They take in air present in the soil.
When land remains waterlogged, the roots are not able to obtain air. This
damages the roots and so the plant dies.
• The stem bark also has tiny opening called lenticels which help in gaseous
exchange during night time.
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