3.2.10

Exercise and Breathing

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Exercise and Breathing

Exercise increases the rate of respiration in muscle cells. This causes both the rate and depth of breathing to increase.

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Response to exercise

  • The increased rate of respiration in cells creates a higher concentration of carbon dioxide (a waste product of respiration) in the blood.
  • The brain detects this and causes breathing to become deeper and faster.
  • This means more carbon dioxide can be breathed out at a quicker rate (and more oxygen is also breathed in).
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Investigating breathing

  • The rate and volume (or depth) of someone's breathing can be tested using a piece of equipment called a spirometer.
    • The closer together the waves shown by the spirometer, the faster the breathing rate.
    • The higher the waves, the deeper the breaths.

Jump to other topics

1The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3Organism Functions

3.1Respiration

3.2Gas Exchange

3.3Transport

3.4Excretion

3.5Coordination & Response

4Reproduction & Inheritance

5Ecology

6Biological Resources

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