proceeds to contract more in order to pump more blood through the body with every beat. Muscular walls in the heart increase in thickness, notably in the left ventricle, providing more powerful contractions. There is an increase in stroke volume as the heart contracts more. During exercise cardiac output rises to supply tissues with greater amounts of oxygen and nutrients. Exercise can increase cardiac muscle temperature which can lead to an increase in heart rate. As blood is being pumped by the heart , blood is being diverted from other organs and systems in the body to the working muscles. The muscles demand more energy, so the heart beats faster in order to deliver the nutrients and oxygen required to meet the increased energy demands. Blood flow to the lungs also sees an increase. Systolic blood pressure increases as there is a greater quantity of blood that is being pumped from the heart. The pressure rises in the blood vessels that transport blood with each heart beat. Blood vessels that serve the skin dilate to allow more blood to the surface of the body, this further helps to coo down the body during exercise.
Changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide within the blood can be detected by the respiratory centre which increases the rate of breathing.
The mechanical act of air moving in and out of the lungs is known as pulmonary ventilation. Air is breathed in through the mouth where it then travels through the windpipe into the lungs. In the lungs there are small sacs that capture the oxygen and distribute it into the bloodstream through the capillaries. Breathing rate increases during exercise which enables more air to move in and out of the lungs , which enhances gas exchange. The intercostal muscles and diaphragm aid the expansion of the thoracic cavity to improve the ability to breathe in more air. During inhalation the aveolar pressure decreases whilst the intrapleular pressure increases, the diaphragm contracts taking in an increased amount of air. The body then exhales out carbon dioxide, whereby alveolar pressure increases and the intrapleular pressure increases, the diaphragm
relaxes.
Define the following terms, and the units for each.
A) Tidal volume is the quantity of air which enters the lungs during inhalation at rest. The average tidal volume is 500ml. The same amount also leaves the lungs during exhalation.
B) Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).