Year 10 - Physical education
Air pathway from the atmosphere to alveoli and gaseous exchange
Anatomy and physiology: the cardio-respiratory system
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit will examine the structure and function of both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It includes the correct anatomical names and location of different chambers, valves and blood vessels as well as the pathway of air through to the alveoli and how gaseous exchange occurs.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe the pathway of air from the atmosphere through to gaseous exchange in your lungs.
Key Notes
- Air enters through the mouth/nose, travels down the trachea and bronchi to the alveoli where gaseous exchange occurs.
- Gaseous exchange is the process of diffusion where oxygen moves into the body and carbon dioxide moves out.
- Diffusion is the movement of particles (e.g. oxygen) from an area of high to an area of low concentration.
- Gaseous exchange increases during/immediately after exercise.
Vocabulary To Learn
- trachea: the windpipe that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi, allowing air to pass to and from the lungs
- bronchi: two main branches off the trachea that lead to the lungs, where they further divide into bronchioles
- alveoli: tiny air sacs in the lungs where gaseous exchange between air and blood takes place
- gaseous exchange: the process where oxygen and carbon dioxide are switched between the lungs or the muscles and the bloodstream
- diffusion: the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Gaseous exchange only involves oxygen.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Air enters through the mouth/nose, travels down the trachea and bronchi to the alveoli where gaseous exchange occurs. Gaseous exchange is the process of diffusion where oxygen moves into the body and carbon dioxide moves out.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'trachea'
the windpipe that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi, allowing air to pass to and from the lungs.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Gaseous exchange only involves oxygen. Correction: Gaseous exchange is when oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse between the lungs and the blood, and then between the blood and muscle tissues.
More Lessons In This Unit
- A practical exploration of how the cardio-respiratory systems work together Study Guide
- A practical exploration of the pathway of blood Study Guide
- Blood vessels and blood cells Study Guide
- Blood vessels, blood cells and the vascular shunt Study Guide
- Double circulatory system and structure of the heart Study Guide
- Mechanics of breathing and interpretation of a spirometer trace Study Guide
- Structure of the cardiovascular system Study Guide
- The cardiac cycle Study Guide
- The mechanics of breathing Study Guide
- The relationship between heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output Study Guide
- The structure of the heart Study Guide
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