NZQA registered unit standard
12728 version 4
Page 1 of 3
Title
Describe the human respiratory system
Level
4
Credits
3
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to describe the
normal structure and function of the respiratory system and the
factors influencing respiratory function.
Classification
Health, Disability, and Aged Support > Core Health
Available grade
Achieved
Explanatory notes
1
Reference
Marieb, E.N. (2010). Essentials of human anatomy and physiology (10th ed.). San
Francisco, CA: Pearson/Benjamin Cummings.
2
As the content of this unit standard is largely informational, evidence requirements
assume that knowledge will be acquired from the reference text in conjunction with
models and other information-bearing media. In this regard it is expected that
outcomes and evidence will be in accordance with the reference text.
3
Definition
Normal structure and function refers to structure and function which are not impaired
by abnormalities or dysfunction.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Describe the normal structure and function of the respiratory system.
Evidence requirements
1.1
The normal structure and functions of the organs of respiration are identified
and described.
Range
1.2
nose, pharynx, larynx, lungs, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli.
The protective mechanisms of the respiratory system are described in terms of
their function.
Range
mucous, cilia, epiglottis, cartilage, alveolar macrophages, cough
reflex.
Community Support Services ITO Limited
SSB Code 101814
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
1.3
12728 version 4
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The mechanics of breathing are described according to their roles.
cycle of respiration – inspiration, expiration;
intercostal muscles, diaphragm, lung expansion and deflation,
accessory muscles.
Range
Outcome 2
Describe the factors influencing respiratory function.
Evidence requirements
2.1
The factors influencing respiratory rate and depth are described in terms of their
effect.
Range
2.2
physical factors, conscious control, emotional factors.
The chemical factors influencing respiratory rate and depth are identified and
described in relation to the maintenance of homeostasis.
Range
influence of carbon dioxide, blood pH, oxygen, respiratory centre
in brainstem, rate and depth of breathing.
Planned review date
31 December 2017
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
23 October 1998
31 December 2012
Review
2
26 May 2004
31 December 2012
Review
3
20 March 2008
31 December 2012
Review
4
20 September 2012
N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0024
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Community Support Services ITO Limited
SSB Code 101814
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
12728 version 4
Page 3 of 3
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the Community Support Services ITO Limited info@careerforce.org.nz if
you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
Community Support Services ITO Limited
SSB Code 101814
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016