Question

Enlist and explain the effects of exercise on respiratory system.

Answer 1

Exercise increases the respiratory system’s activity to meet the body’s greater need for oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide.

1. Tidal volume: The volume of air inspired or expired per breath increases during exercise. At maximal exercise, it may reach five to six times the resting value.
2. Respiratory rate: The number of breaths per minute rises, often to two to three times the resting rate.
3. Minute ventilation (MV): The volume of air breathed per minute increases during exercise. It depends on tidal volume and respiratory rate. [\mathrm{MV} = \mathrm{tidal\volume}\times\mathrm{respiratory\rate}]
4. Pulmonary diffusing capacity: During exercise, the lungs’ capacity to transfer oxygen from the alveoli into the blood increases.
5. Hyperventilation: Breathing may increase through a rise in tidal volume, respiratory rate, or both.
6. Total lung capacity: The chapter notes that total lung capacity decreases slightly during exercise.
7. Vital capacity: Vital capacity is the maximum volume of air that can be forcefully expired after a maximum inspiration.