The Effects of Altitude on the respiratory System. Quiz

Recap Last Lesson… Newbie…… What is tidal volume….give me an example of a resting measurement.

Bingo….. What is minute ventilation and what happens to it during the onset of exercise?

Beth….. Show me your………………………. GRAPH on the change in tidal volume I know what your were thinking BINGO!

Air Pressure How do you express the pressure of O2 within the atmosphere? [1] How do you express the pressure of O2 within the atmosphere? [1] Partial Pressure/PO2. Partial Pressure/PO2. Is the PO2 high or low at high Altitude compared to sea level? [1] Is the PO2 high or low at high Altitude compared to sea level? [1] PO2 at high Altitude is Low PO2 at high Altitude is Low

Exam Question Explain how gas is exchanged between the blood and the muscle tissues during exercise. Why is this beneficial to performance? [5] Answer: Diffusion gradient. Partial pressures. Differences in O2/Co2 concentrations. Single cell walls. Haemoglobin/Myoglobin. Faster uptake of O2. Etc.

Learning Objectives 1)To be able to describe the effects of altitude on the respiratory system. 2)To understand how training can improve/adapt the respiratory system.

Effects of Altitude on the Respiratory System A decrease in PO2 in the Alveoli. A decrease in PO2 in the Alveoli. The decrease in PO2 reduces the diffusion gradient. Decrease in O2 and Hb association during external respiration. Decrease in O2 and Hb association during external respiration. A decrease in O2 transportation in the blood. Reduction in the amount of O2 available to the working muscles – reduction in the diffusion gradient (internal respiration). Reduction in the amount of O2 available to the working muscles – reduction in the diffusion gradient (internal respiration). Reduced Vo2 max which hinders aerobic performance. Increase OBLA. Reduced Vo2 max which hinders aerobic performance. Increase OBLA. Cold air increases water loss causing dehydration. Cold air increases water loss causing dehydration. RCC will be stimulated by the Chemoreceptors leading to hyperventilation. RCC will be stimulated by the Chemoreceptors leading to hyperventilation. Long term effects: increased Hb and RBC production. Long term effects: increased Hb and RBC production.

Respiratory Adaptations to Physical Activity/Training Increased Alveoli, which allows more diffusion to take place. Increased Alveoli, which allows more diffusion to take place. Increased elasticity of respiratory structures. Increased elasticity of respiratory structures. Increased efficiency of the respiratory system. Increased efficiency of the respiratory system. Increased efficiency of the respiratory muscles. Increased efficiency of the respiratory muscles. Increase in strength, power and endurance of respiratory muscles. Increase in strength, power and endurance of respiratory muscles. Tidal Volume (TV) increases during max exercise/respiratory rate decreases/Maximum VE increases. Tidal Volume (TV) increases during max exercise/respiratory rate decreases/Maximum VE increases. Increased pulmonary diffusion during max exercise. Increased pulmonary diffusion during max exercise. Overall increase in aerobic performance. Overall increase in aerobic performance. A healthy respiratory system encourages and promotes a lifelong active and healthy lifestyle. A healthy respiratory system encourages and promotes a lifelong active and healthy lifestyle.

Exam Question… During endurance activities at altitude there may be a reduction in performance. Why do the changes in pressure at altitude reduce performance? 5 marks

Mark Scheme…   1.Less oxygen available in atmosphere at high altitude   2.The partial pressure of oxygen/PPO2 is reduced/hypoxia   3.Hyperventilation/increased rate of breathing/dehydration   4.A reduction in the diffusion gradient occurs   5.Haemoglobin saturation depends upon the partial pressure of oxygen   6.Haemoglobin is not fully saturated   7.Less oxygen is carried in the blood   8.Therefore less oxygen available for muscles   9.Fatigue sets in quicker/decrease VO2 Max/ early onset of OBLA

Task (for next lesson) You need to research notes on:  Asthma.  Smoking.  The effects they have on the respiratory system, performance effects and how they can be treated.