BTEC Level 3 - Unit 1 - Responses and Adaptations (Respiratory) [Graded A+]

Increase in tidal volume - Answers-At rest, our tidal volume (air taken in per breath) is around 500ml but this increases during exercise. Increasing TV & breathing rate means we can increase the volume of air moving into and out of the lungs from 6 litres at rest to 60 litres during exercise. Increased strength of the respiratory muscles - Answers-Through increased use, the diaphragm and the external intercostal muscles will become stronger. This means they will be able to contract more forcibly, increasing the size of the thoracic cavity so that a greater volume of air can be taken in to the lungs. Increased vital capacity - Answers-Due to the increase in size of the thoracic cavity, vital capacity increases. Increase in oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusion rate - Answers-This is due to an increase in the number of capillaries, as a result of training, allowing more efficient gaseous normal breathing, whilst at rest, we breathe in and out approximately 12 timer per minute. This can increase to 45 times per minute during intense exercise or 70 times per minute for an elite athlete. Increase in tidal volume - Answers-At rest, our tidal volume (air taken in per breath) is around 500ml but this increases during exercise. Increasing TV & breathing rate means we can increase the volume of air moving into and out of the lungs from 6 litres at rest to 60 litres during exercise