Respiration

Energy is essential for sustaining life-supporting cellular activities, such as protein synthesis and active transport across plasma membranes. Body cells need a continuous supply of O2 to support their energy-generating chemical reactions. The CO2 produced during these reactions must be eliminated from the body at the same rate as it is produced to prevent dangerous fluctuations in pH (that is, to maintain acid–base balance) because CO2 generates carbonic acid

Respiration involves the sum of the processes that accomplish ongoing passive movement of O2 from the atmosphere to the tissues to support cell metabolism and the continual passive movement of metabolically produced CO2 from the tissues to the atmosphere. The respiratory system contributes to homeostasis by exchanging O2 and CO2 between the atmosphere and blood. The blood transports O2 and CO2 between the respiratory system and the tissues.

At the end of the lesson students will be able to learn;

Structure and Functions of respiratory tract, Mechanics of breathing, Lung volumes and capacities, Diffusion of gases across the alveolar membrane. Mechanism of transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in blood, Nervous and chemical regulation of respiration.