Physiology for Sport

and Exercise Therapy

An Overview of the Respiratory System

HI1007
 Learning Outcomes
• Understand role of the Respiratory System;
structure and function
• Understand internal and external respiration
• Understand pulmonary ventilation and the
mechanics of breathing
 Structure of the Respiratory
System
• The respiratory system includes the
• Nose
• Nasal cavity
• Pharynx (throat)
• Larynx (voice box)
• Trachea (windpipe)
• Bronchi
• Lungs
 Structure of the Respiratory
System
• The respiratory system includes the
• Nose
• Nasal cavity
• Pharynx (throat)…………...Upper respiratory tract
• Larynx (voice box)……..….Lower respiratory tract
• Trachea (windpipe)
• Bronchi
• Lungs
Structure of the Respiratory System
Function of the Respiratory System
• The respiratory system does the following:
• Transports air
• Filters the air
• Warms the air
• Moistens the air

• Provides gas exchange

• The intake of O2
• Removal of CO2

• Why are these things important?

Mechanics of Breathing
Muscles of Inhalation and Expiration
Transport of O2 and CO2 in the Blood
• External Respiration
‘Movement of
gases at the
alveolar-pulmonary
capillary level’

• Internal Respiration
‘Movement of
gases at capillary
tissue level’
 Functions of the
Respiratory System Nose/
Air Lungs
Mouth

Pulmonary
Ventilation

O2
O2

Ar Met Cellular Respiratory External

Cells Response
System Respiration Lungs Blood

O2 CO2

Internal
Energy Respiration

O2

Blood Cells

CO2
 Boyles Law

“at constant temperature, the absolute

pressure and the volume of a gas are inversely
proportional”

High pressure = small volume

Low pressure = high volume
Pressure Changes during Breathing/Boyles
Law
Control of Respiration
Controlled by medulla oblongata

2 centres inspiratory and expiratory

Inspiratory is more important

Nerves/receptors stimulate the

diaphragm and intercostals
Location of the Respiratory Centre
Controlled by medulla oblongata

2 centres inspiratory and expiratory

Inspiratory is more important

Nerves/receptors stimulate the

diaphragm and External intercostals
Roles of the Respiratory Centre
Roles of the Respiratory Centre
Muscles of Inhalation & Expiration - Recap
 Oxygen Transport

Dissolved form within blood (PO2) 1.5 - 3%

Bound to Haemoglobin 97-98.5%

O2 Heme Heme O2

Globin

O2 Heme Heme O2
 Oxygen Haemoglobin Dissociation Curve

Influenced by:
• Acidity
• Partial Pressure of CO2
• Temperature
 Bohr Effect

Influenced by:
• Acidity
• Partial Pressure of CO2
• Temperature
 Bohr Effect
“ the effect of CO2 on the affinity of Hb to
absorb O2”

Increased CO2 in blood causes O2 dissociation

from Hb. This allows CO2 to combine with Hb,
producing more bicarbonate, pH more alkaline
= more O2 available to tissues
Measurement of Lung Volumes (Spirogram)
 Measurement of Ventilation
Minute Ventilation/Volume (litres per min)
Tidal Volume
Frequency of breaths per minute

Minute Ventilation = Tidal Volume x frequency

Normal adult at rest 400-600ml TV and 12-15 breaths/min

Alveolar Ventilation
Dead Space

Alveolar Ventilation = (Tidal Volume – Dead Space) x frequency

Anatomical Dead Space is 1ml for 1lb of ideal body weight

 Where does this fit in Sports Therapy?
• Assessment of players fitness levels
• Monitor through period of injury
• Use them to guide what is required in their
rehab plan, to return them to
play/competition
• Gives a baseline for the therapist to work from
 Learning Outcomes - Recapped
• Understand role of the Respiratory System;
structure and function
• Understand internal and external respiration
• Understand pulmonary ventilation and the
mechanics of breathing
 Consolidation Reading
• Using the link
http://www.wiley.com//college/apcentral/anatomydrill/ complete
the following tasks in each of the sections listed;

• The Respiratory System

• Structures of the respiratory system
• Surface anatomy of the lungs, Medial view
• Microscopic anatomy of a lobule of the lungs, Diagram of a portion o
f a lobule of the lung
• Structural components and function of an alveolus, Transverse sectio
n of an alveolus showing its cellular components
• Complete the Glossary of Terms that are relevant from this week’s
lecture