PHYSIOLOGY FOR THE EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCES
Quiz 7
Page 1
The Respiratory System
Type the question and your answer, in complete sentences, on a separate sheet of paper.
Turn in your answers to the Lab Instructor.
1) One of the basic tenants of physiology is that function of a system follows its structure.
Describe the anatomy of the conducting zone of the respiratory tract, including how those
structures contribute to the function of the lungs.
2) One of the basic tenants of physiology is that function of a system follows its structure.
Describe the anatomy of the respiratory zone of the respiratory tract, including how that structure
contributes to function.
3) Pressure is the driving force for the movement of air into and out of the lungs. Describe the
structure of the thoracic cavity and how that structure is involved in creating the pressures that
are important for the movement of air into the lungs.
4) The generation of the pressure responsible for the movement of air involves Boyle's Law.
Describe how Boyle's Law is involved in pressure development in the lungs, and how that
determines inspiration and expiration.
5) Pressure is the driving force for the movement of air into and out of the lungs. However, the
development of pressure and the movement of air is modified by the compliance of the lungs.
Describe how lung compliance can alter the movement of air into the lungs.
6) The air that we breathe is composed of three essential gases that include nitrogen, oxygen,
and water vapor. Describe the physical properties that govern the diffusion of gases, including
partial pressure and gas solubility.
7) The exchange of gases occurs primarily within the lungs and tissues. Describe the nature of
the movement of gases in the lungs (including how the partial pressures of alveolar gases are
determined) and tissues.
8) The solubility of oxygen in solution is relatively low, necessitating the presence of hemoglobin
to carry oxygen to active tissues. Hemoglobin exhibits several unique characteristics that make it
well suited for the transport of oxygen. Describe the structure of hemoglobin and the mechanisms
that can alter the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen.
9) The affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen can be altered to enhance the loading or unloading of
oxygen. Describe the changes in active muscle that facilitate the unloading of oxygen from
hemoglobin (and the mechanisms by which oxygen binding to hemoglobin is altered by these
changes).
10) The affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen can be altered to enhance the loading or unloading of
oxygen. Describe the changes within the lungs that facilitate the loading of oxygen onto the
hemoglobin (and the mechanisms by which oxygen binding to hemoglobin is altered by these
changes).
11) While carbon dioxide is more soluble in solution than oxygen, the amount of carbon dioxide
produced by active cells is much greater than can dissolve in solution. Describe the mechanisms
by which carbon dioxide is transported to the lungs with particular emphasis on carbon dioxide's
binding to hemoglobin and its conversion to bicarbonate.
12) A majority of the control of ventilation resides within the central nervous system. Identify the
regions of the brain that are important in the regulation of ventilation and how each of them
functions in the control of ventilation.
MICHELLE A CLEARY PhD, ATC
PHYSIOLOGY FOR THE EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCES
Quiz 7
Page 2
13) In the discussion of respiration, hydrogen ions were shown to be important in many aspects
of ventilation. Thus, the respiratory system plays an important role in the regulation of acid-base
balance. Describe the role of the respiratory system in the maintenance of acid-base balance.
MICHELLE A CLEARY PhD, ATC