06/08/2024

Examination guideline/ scope

CONTENT ELABORATION
Gaseous exchange and the respiratory Distinguish between cellular respiration, breathing and gas exchange.
system
The need for gas exchange.
Human Gas exchange- structure (macro and tissue level) location, adaptation and functioning of the ventilation

Respiratory System
system.
 trachea
 epiglottis
 bronchi
 bronchioles
Breathing, Gaseous exchange and Homeostasis  alveoli
 lungs
 ribs
 intercostal muscles
 diaphragm
Ventilation of the lungs
 gaseous exchange in alveoli
 the transport of gases around the body
 gaseous exchange in tissues and
 composition of inspired air vs. expired air, analyse data.
The homeostatic control of carbon dioxide (link to Grade 12)

1 2

Concepts Adaptations for effective gaseous exchange

Adaptation Purpose
• Maximizes the amount of gas that can be
Cellular respiration Breathing Gaseous Exchange Large Surface Area
exchanged at one time.
The mechanical process • Reduces the distance gases must diffuse,
The process by which The process of Thin Membrane
cells convert glucose and of inhaling air (containing exchanging oxygen and speeding up the exchange process.
oxygen into energy (ATP), oxygen) into the lungs carbon dioxide between • Ensures a constant supply of blood to transport
carbon dioxide, and and exhaling air the blood and the Rich Blood Supply
(containing carbon environment. This occurs
gases to and from the exchange surface.
water. This process occurs
in the mitochondria of dioxide) out of the lungs. in the alveoli of the lungs, • Facilitates the dissolution and diffusion of
This involves the Moist Surfaces
cells and provides the where oxygen diffuses gases across the exchange surfaces.
energy necessary for diaphragm and into the blood, and
intercostal muscles to • Maintains a high concentration gradient for
cellular functions. carbon dioxide diffuses Ventilation Mechanism
facilitate the movement out of the blood to be oxygen and carbon dioxide.
of air in and out of the exhaled. • Ensures rapid transport of gases to and from
respiratory system.
Efficient Transport System the exchange surfaces, maintaining
concentration gradients.
Devoseducation.com Devoseducation.com

3 4
06/08/2024

Nasal cavity Structure

Epiglottis
• a hollow space within the nose, Structure:
• divided into two nostrils by the nasal septum. A flap of tissue.
• mucous membranes line it
• structures such as the turbinate bones increase Location:
surface area. At the entrance of the larynx.

Function Adaptation:
• Filtration: The nasal cavity filters large particles Flexible to cover the trachea during
from inhaled air through hair-like structures called swallowing.
cilia.
• Humidification and Warming: The mucous Function:
membrane humidifies and warms incoming air Prevents food and liquid from entering
before it reaches the lungs. the airway.
• Smell: Olfactory receptor cells in the upper part of
the nasal cavity detect odours.
• Protection: Goblet cells secrete mucus to trap
dust, pathogens, and other particles.
Devoseducation.com Devoseducation.com

5 6

Larynx Laryngitis
Structure: Definition:
Also known as the voice box, it is composed of Inflammation of the larynx, often caused
cartilage, muscles, and ligaments. by infection or overuse.
Contains the vocal cords.
Symptoms:
Location:
Situated between the pharynx and the
Hoarseness, loss of voice, sore throat, dry
trachea. cough.

Adaptation: Causes:
Contains the epiglottis, which prevents food Viral infections, bacterial infections,
and liquid from entering the airway. vocal strain, smoking.
Vocal cords can tighten and loosen to
produce sound. Devoseducation.com Treatment:
Resting the voice, staying hydrated,
Function:
Produces sound for speech.Protects the
avoiding irritants, using humidifiers.
trachea against food aspiration.

Devoseducation.com

7 8
06/08/2024

Trachea Bronchi Bronchi:

Structure:
Structure: Two main branches from the trachea
A tube supported by C-shaped cartilage leading to each lung.
rings. Location:
Between the trachea and the bronchioles.
Adaptation:
Location:
Divides air flow to both lungs; also lined with
Extends from the larynx to the bronchi. cilia and mucus.
Function:
Adaptation: Channels air into the lungs.
Cartilage rings keep the airway open;
lined with cilia and mucus to trap and Bronchioles:
expel particles. Structure:
Smaller branches of the bronchi.
Function: Location:
Conducts air to and from the lungs. Within the lungs.
Adaptation:
Smooth muscle allows regulation of air flow.
Function:
Controls the distribution of air to the alveoli.
Devoseducation.com Devoseducation.com

9 10

Definition: Definition
Bronchitis Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which Asthma Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition
carry air to the lungs. characterized by inflammation and
narrowing of the airways, leading to
Symptoms:
difficulty in breathing.
Coughing with mucus, wheezing, shortness
of breath, chest discomfort.
Symptoms typically include wheezing,
Causes: shortness of breath, chest tightness, and
Viral infections, bacterial infections, coughing, especially at night or early in
smoking, air pollution. the morning.

Types: Cause
• Acute bronchitis: Short-term, often follows
Asthma is caused by a combination of
a cold or respiratory infection.
• Chronic bronchitis: Long-term, often due genetic and environmental factors.
to smoking or prolonged exposure to Common triggers include:
irritants. •Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, mold, pet
dander.
Treatment: •Irritants: Smoke, air pollution, strong odors,
Rest, fluids, avoiding smoke and other chemicals.
irritants, bronchodilators, antibiotics (if •Respiratory Infections: Colds, flu,
bacterial). bronchitis.
Devoseducation.com Devoseducation.com

11 12
06/08/2024

Alveolus Structure Function Consequence if Dysfunctional Diseases/Infections

• Inadequate filtration can lead to
Structure: Nose/ • Filters, warms, and allergic rhinitis,
respiratory infections; dry or cold air can
Nasal Cavity humidifies incoming air sinusitis
Tiny air sacs with thin walls. irritate the respiratory tract
• Passage for air moving from • Blockage can cause difficulty breathing Pharyngitis,
Pharynx
Location: the nose to the larynx and potential choking tonsillitis
At the end of bronchioles. • Routes air into the trachea
and prevents food from • Inability to route air properly can lead to
Larynx Laryngitis,
entering the airway; voice aspiration; voice loss
Adaptation: production
Large surface area, thin walls, and Trachea
• Main airway that conducts • Obstruction can cause severe breathing Tracheitis,
surrounded by capillaries for efficient air to the bronchi difficulties or suffocation
• Blocked bronchi can reduce airflow to
gas exchange. • Branches into the lungs to Bronchitis,
Bronchi the lungs, leading to decreased oxygen
direct air to the bronchioles bronchial asthma,
supply
Function: • Blockage or constriction (as in asthma)
• Smaller branches that carry Asthma,
Site of oxygen and carbon dioxide Bronchioles can significantly reduce airflow and
air to the alveoli bronchiolitis
oxygen delivery
exchange with the blood.
• Impaired gas exchange (as in Pneumonia,
• Site of gas exchange
Alveoli pneumonia or emphysema) can lead to emphysema,
between air and blood
hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the blood) tuberculosis (TB)

Devoseducation.com Devoseducation.com

13 14

Adaptations for effective gaseous exchange

Adaptation Description Purpose
• Structures like alveoli in the lungs • Maximizes the amount of gas that
Large Surface Area
provide a large surface area. can be exchanged at one time.
• Reduces the distance gases must
• The alveolar and capillary walls are
Thin Membrane diffuse, speeding up the exchange
very thin (one cell thick).
process.
• Ensures a constant supply of blood to
• Dense network of capillaries
Rich Blood Supply transport gases to and from the
surrounds the alveoli.
exchange surface.
• Facilitates the dissolution and
• Alveoli are coated with a thin layer
Moist Surfaces diffusion of gases across the
of moisture.
exchange surfaces.
• Maintains a high concentration
• Breathing movements maintain a
Ventilation Mechanism gradient for oxygen and carbon
flow of air over the alveoli.
dioxide.
• Hemoglobin in red blood cells
• Ensures rapid transport of gases to
Efficient Transport binds oxygen, and the circulatory
and from the exchange surfaces,
System system transports it around the
maintaining concentration gradients.
body.
Devoseducation.com

15 16
06/08/2024

The lungs Structures involved in breathing The ribs Structures involved in breathing
Structure: Structure:
Pair of spongy organs. Surrounded by a Bones form the thoracic cage.
pleural membrane
Location:
Location: Around the chest.
In the thoracic cavity.
Adaptation:
Adaptation: Protects lungs and supports breathing
Contains alveoli for gas exchange. movements.

Function: Function:
Facilitates breathing and gas exchange. Provides structural support and protection

Devoseducation.com Devoseducation.com

17 18

The muscles Intercostal Muscles:

INHALATION
Structure: Muscles between the ribs.
Mechanism:
Location: Between ribs.
• Diaphragm contracts and moves
Adaptation: Contract and relax to aid downward,
breathing. • intercostal muscles contract,
• rib cage expands,
Function: Expand and contract the rib cage • decreasing pressure and
for inhalation and exhalation. • drawing air into the lungs.

Diaphragm:

Structure: Dome-shaped muscle.

Location: Below the lungs.

Adaptation: Contracts and flattens during

inhalation.

Function: Major muscle for breathing.

Devoseducation.com Devoseducation.com

19 20
06/08/2024

EXHALATION
Mechanism:
• Diaphragm relaxes and moves upward,
• intercostal muscles relax, The Need for Gas Exchange
• rib cage contracts,
• increasing pressure and Oxygen Requirement:
• forcing air out of the lungs. Oxygen is vital for cellular respiration to
produce energy (ATP).
Carbon Dioxide Removal:
Removal of CO2 prevents toxic
accumulation which can lead to respiratory
acidosis.

Devoseducation.com Devoseducation.com

21 22

GASEOUS EXCHANGE IN THE ALVEOLI TRANSPORT OF GASES AROUND THE BODY

CO2
Alveoli
O2 Oxygen:
Blood capillaries Transported from the lungs to tissues by
binding to hemoglobin in red blood
cells.

Carbon Dioxide:
Process: Transported from tissues to the lungs as
bicarbonate ions in plasma, bound to
Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the hemoglobin, or dissolved in plasma.
capillaries, while carbon dioxide diffuses
from the capillaries into the alveoli to be
exhaled.

Devoseducation.com Devoseducation.com

23 24
06/08/2024

GASEOUS EXCHANGE IN THE ALVEOLI COMPOSITION OF INSPIRED VS EXPIRED AIR

Process:
Oxygen diffuses from blood into tissues,
CO2 while carbon dioxide diffuses from tissues
into the blood.
Tissue
Inspired Air:
O2 High in oxygen (about 21%) and low in
carbon dioxide (about 0.04%).

Expired Air:
Lower in oxygen (about 16%) and higher in
carbon dioxide (about 4%).

Devoseducation.com Devoseducation.com

25 26

Populations such as those in the Andes, the Tibetan

Populations Living Plateau, and the Ethiopian Highlands have adapted to HOMEOSTATIC CONTROL OF CARBON DIOXIDE
living at altitudes above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) where
at the Highest oxygen levels are much lower.
Mechanism:
Altitudes • These adaptations include:
• Chemoreceptors in the carotid artery
• detect elevated CO2 levels,
• Increased lung capacity: To take in more air per • signalling the respiratory centre in the
breath. medulla oblongata
• Higher red blood cell count: To carry more oxygen in • Which signals the breathing muscles
the blood. (intercostal muscles and diaphragm)
• Enhanced oxygen-binding haemoglobin: To improve • to increase the rate and depth of
oxygen transport. medulla oblongata breathing,
• Increased capillary density: To facilitate oxygen • thereby expelling more CO2 and
delivery to tissues. • restoring blood CO2 balance.

For example, Tibetans have a unique genetic

adaptation that allows them to thrive at high altitudes carotid artery
without the high red blood cell counts seen in other
high-altitude populations1.
Devoseducation.com Devoseducation.com

27 28
06/08/2024

TUBERCULOSIS Definition:
A contagious bacterial infection caused
by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Symptoms:
Persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up
blood, fever, night sweats, weight loss.

Transmission:
Spread through airborne droplets when an
infected person coughs or sneezes.

Diagnosis:
Skin test (Mantoux test), blood tests, chest
X-rays, sputum analysis.

Treatment:
Long-term antibiotics (usually a
combination), typically for at least six
months

Devoseducation.com

29