Respiration During Exercise
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 4.2.5
Respiration During Exercise
Exercise increases the body's energy demands. The rate of respiration must increase in order to meet these new demands. The main responses to increase the rate of respiration are:
Increased heart rate
- An increase in heart rate delivers more blood (containing glucose and oxygen) to the muscles.
Increase in breathing rate
- An increase in breathing rate increases gas exchange in the lungs, with more oxygen taken in and more carbon dioxide released.
Increase in breath volume
- An increase in breath volume also increases the rate of gas exchange.
Blood vessels dilate
- Blood vessels dilate (open wider) to ensure more blood reaches the muscles.
Test yourself on Respiration During Exercise
How does the body respond to increased energy demands during exercise?
Why does breathing rate increase during exercise?
Why is it useful for blood vessels to dilate during exercise?
Why does breath volume increase during exercise?
Why does an increase in heart rate help meet the muscles' increased energy demands during exercise?