Chapter 3 - Respiration

Respiration is the process of oxidation or breaking down of organic compounds, like glucose in the living
cells, with the release of energy.

There are two types of Respiration

I). Aerobic respiration : Aerobic respiration is takes place in the presence of oxygen.

II). Anaerobic respiration : Anaerobic respiration takes place in the absence of oxygen.

Difference between Aerobic and Anaerobic respiration

S.No. Aerobic Respiration Anaerobic respiration

1 occurs in presence of oxygen. occurs in absence of oxygen
2 CO2 and water is produced. Lactic Acid or Alcohol is produced

3 lot of energy is liberated (38 ATP) relatively small energy is liberated (2ATP)

4 occurs in plants' and animals' cells occurs in many anaerobic bacteria and human muscle cells.
ATP (adenosine triphosphate): High-energy molecule that cells use to drive energy-requiring processes
such as biosynthesis (the production of chemical compounds), growth, and movement.

Respiratory organs of Man

The organs of the respiratory system extend from the nose to the lungs and are divided into the upper and
lower respiratory tracts. The upper respiratory tract consists of the nose and the pharynx, or throat. The
lower respiratory tract includes the larynx, or voice box; the trachea, or windpipe, which splits into two
main branches called bronchi; tiny branches of the bronchi called bronchioles; and the lungs, a pair of
saclike, spongy organs. The nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles conduct air to and
from the lungs. The lungs interact with the circulatory system to deliver oxygen and remove carbon
dioxide.

Air enters the body through the nose, is warmed, filtered, and passed through the nasal cavity. Air passes
the pharynx (which has the epiglottis that prevents food from entering the trachea).The upper part of the
trachea contains the larynx. The vocal cords are two bands of tissue that extend across the opening of the
larynx. After passing the larynx, the air moves into the bronchi that carry air in and out of the lungs.
DIAPHRAGM

The diaphragm, located below the lungs, is the major muscle of respiration. It is a large, dome-shaped
muscle that contracts rhythmically and continually, and most of the time, involuntarily. Upon inhalation,
the diaphragm contracts and flattens and the chest cavity enlarges. This contraction creates a vacuum,
which pulls air into the lungs. Upon exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and returns to its domelike shape,
and air is forced out of the lungs.

INSPIRATION

Taking in of oxygen with the air into the lungs is called inspiration.

EXPIRATION

Giving out of carbon dioxide from the lungs is called expiration.

Difference between Inspiration and Expiration.

Inspiration Expiration

Inspiration: breathing in. Expiration: breathing out .

Always an active process Typically a passive process

Caused by muscular contraction, mainly of the mainly caused by

(i) diaphragm (i) elastic recoil of the diaphragm

(ii) intercostals muscles (ii) relaxation of the intercostals
muscles.

TISSUE RESPIRATION

The interchange of gases that occurs between the blood and the tissues. Also called internal respiration.

Difference between Breathing and Tissue Respiration

S.No. Breathing Tissue Respiration

1 It is a physical process.
2 Occurs in the respiratory tract and lungs.
3 Extracellular process.
4 Energy is not released.
5 Enzymes are not involved.
It is a biochemical process.
Occurs in the body cell and tissues.
Intracellular process.
Energy is released in the form of ATP.
Enzymes help in the process of
oxidation.

Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs after a
maximum inspiration. It is equal to the inspiratory reserve volume plus the tidal volume plus the
expiratory reserve volume.

Tidal volume the volume of gas inhaled and exhaled during one respiratory cycle.