1.2.7

The Mechanics of Breathing

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Inhaling

Inhaling is the process of breathing in air by increasing the volume (amount of space within) of the chest cavity. The following changes happen to help increase the chest cavity volume:

Illustrative background for Contraction of intercostalsIllustrative background for Contraction of intercostals ?? "content

Contraction of intercostals

  • When we inhale, the intercostals (muscles between the ribs) contract. This causes the rib cage to rise up and outwards.
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Contraction of diaphragm

  • When we inhale, the diaphragm (the dome-shaped muscle at the base of the chest cavity) also contracts and flattens out.

Exhaling

Exhaling is the process of breathing out by reducing the volume of the chest cavity. Exhalation is passive because the muscles just relax.

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Relaxation of intercostals

  • When we exhale, the intercostal muscles relax. This causes the rib cage to fall and decreases the volume of the chest cavity.
Illustrative background for Relaxation of diaphragmIllustrative background for Relaxation of diaphragm ?? "content

Relaxation of diaphragm

  • When we exhale, the diaphragm (the dome-shaped muscle at the base of the chest cavity) relaxes.

Jump to other topics

1Applied Anatomy & Physiology

1.1The Musculoskeletal System

1.1.1Musculoskeletal Structure

1.1.2Structure of the Skeleton

1.1.3Functions of the Skeleton

1.1.4Joints

1.1.5Joints 2

1.1.6Antagonistic Muscle Movement

1.1.7End of Topic Test - The Musculoskeletal System

1.1.8Exam-Style Questions - Musculoskeletal System

1.2The Cardio-Respiratory System

1.2.1Pathway of Air

1.2.2Blood Vessels

1.2.3Blood Vessels 2

1.2.4Structure of the Heart

1.2.5Cardiac Cycle

1.2.6Measures of Heart Performance

1.2.7The Mechanics of Breathing

1.2.8The Mechanics of Breathing 2

1.2.9The Lungs

1.2.10End of Topic Test - The Cardio-Respiratory System

1.2.11Exam-Style Questions - Cardio-Respiratory System

1.3Anaerobic & Aerobic Exercise

1.3.1Aerobic & Anaerobic Respiration

1.3.2Recovering After Exercise

1.3.3Treatments for Recovery

1.4Short-Term Effects of Exercise

1.4.1Short-Term Effects of Exercise

1.4.2Long-Term Effects of Exercise

2Movement Analysis

2.1Lever Systems

2.1.1Lever Systems

2.1.2Mechanical Advantage

2.1.3Basic Sporting Movements

2.1.4Basic Sporting Movements 2

2.2Planes & Axes of Movement

2.2.1Planes & Axes of Movement

2.2.2End of Topic Test - Movement Analysis

2.2.3Exam-Style Questions - Movement

3Physical Training

3.1Health & Fitness

3.1.1Health & Fitness

3.2The Components of Fitness

3.2.1The Components of Fitness

3.2.2Sports & Fitness

3.2.3Fitness Testing

3.2.4Measuring Agility & Balance

3.2.5Measuring Cardiovascular & Coordination

3.2.6Measuring Endurance & Power

3.2.7Measuring Reaction Time & Strength

3.2.8Measuring Strength, Speed & Flexibility

3.2.9End of Topic Test - The Components of Fitness

3.2.10Exam-Style Questions - Fitness Tests

4The Principles of Training

4.1Principles of Training

4.1.1Principles & Circuit Training

4.1.2Continuous & Fartlek Training

4.1.3Plyometric & Static Training

4.1.4Weight & Interval Training

4.2Optimising Training

4.2.1Optimising Training

4.2.2Altitude & Seasonal Training

4.2.3Warming Up

4.2.4Cooling Down

4.2.5End of Topic Test - Principles & Optimisation

4.2.6Exam-Style Questions - Sport-Specific Fitness

5Using Data

5.1Types of Data

5.1.1Quantitative Data

5.1.2Qualitative Data

5.2Data Presentation & Analysis

5.2.1Data Presentation & Analysis

6Sports Psychology

6.1Skills

6.1.1Skills

6.1.2Skills 2

6.1.3Goals & Targets

6.1.4Skills HyperLearning

6.2Feedback & Preparation

6.2.1Information Processing

6.2.2Guidance

6.2.3Guidance 2

6.2.4Feedback

6.2.5Mental Preparation

6.2.6Controlling & Optimising Arousal

6.2.7Exam-Style Questions - Skills & Guidance

6.3Personality & Behaviour

6.3.1Aggression

6.3.2Motivation

6.3.3Personality Types

6.3.4End of Topic Test - Sports Psychology

6.3.5Exam-Style Questions - Aggression & Motivation

7Socio-cultural Influences

7.1Engagement Patterns of Different Social Groups

7.1.1Engagement - Gender

7.1.2Engagement - Ethnicity

7.1.3Engagement - Age & Family

7.1.4Engagement - Disability

7.2Commercialisation

7.2.1Media

7.2.2Commercialisation

7.2.3Commercialisation 2

7.2.4Sponsorship

7.2.5Arguments for Sponsorship

7.2.6Impact of Sponsorship

7.2.7End of Topic Test - Engagement & Commercialisation

7.2.8Exam-Style Questions - Commercialisation & Conduct

7.3Ethical & Socio-cultural Issues

7.3.1Impact of Technology on Performers

7.3.2Impact of Technology on Performers 2

7.3.3Impact of Technology on Sport

7.3.4Impact of Technology on Sport 2

7.3.5Sporting Conduct & Banned Substances

7.3.6Blood Doping

7.3.7Drug Restrictions

7.3.8Drug Restrictions 2

7.3.9Spectator Behaviour

7.3.10End of Topic Test - Ethical Issues

7.3.11Exam-Style Questions - Performance Enhancing Drugs

8Health & Fitness

8.1Overview of Health

8.1.1Well-Being & Fitness

8.1.2Types of Health

8.2Sedentary Lifestyles

8.2.1Sedentary Lifestyle

8.2.2Obesity & Performance

8.2.3Somatotypes

8.3Nutrition & Hydration

8.3.1Nutrition

8.3.2Nutrition 2

8.3.3Hydration

8.3.4End of Topic Test - Health & Fitness

8.3.5Exam-Style Questions - Nutrition & Hydration

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Measures of Heart Performance

The Mechanics of Breathing 2