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Breathing and Exchange Short Notes

The document provides an overview of respiration, detailing the human respiratory system and the mechanisms of breathing, including inspiration and expiration. It describes gas exchange processes, transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and the regulation of respiration by the medulla oblongata and other centers. Additionally, it outlines common respiratory disorders such as asthma and emphysema.

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24 views2 pages

Breathing and Exchange Short Notes

The document provides an overview of respiration, detailing the human respiratory system and the mechanisms of breathing, including inspiration and expiration. It describes gas exchange processes, transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and the regulation of respiration by the medulla oblongata and other centers. Additionally, it outlines common respiratory disorders such as asthma and emphysema.

Uploaded by

praneethpitta6
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Breathing and Exchange of Gases –

NEET Short Notes


1. Introduction
Respiration is the biochemical process involving the exchange of gases, mainly oxygen and
carbon dioxide, between the environment and the cells of the body. It includes breathing,
gas transport, and cellular respiration.

2. Human Respiratory System


 External nostrils → Nasal cavity → Pharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Bronchi → Bronchioles →
Alveoli.
 Alveoli are the primary sites for gaseous exchange. They are thin-walled and surrounded by
capillaries.

3. Mechanism of Breathing
 Inspiration: Diaphragm contracts and flattens, external intercostal muscles contract →
thoracic volume increases → air enters lungs.
 Expiration: Diaphragm relaxes and curves upwards, internal intercostals contract →
thoracic volume decreases → air is expelled.

4. Respiratory Volumes and Capacities


 Tidal Volume (TV): 500 mL – Volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.
 Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV): 2500–3000 mL – Extra volume inhaled after normal
inspiration.
 Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV): 1000–1100 mL – Extra volume exhaled after normal
expiration.
 Residual Volume (RV): 1100–1200 mL – Volume remaining after forced expiration.
 Vital Capacity (VC) = TV + IRV + ERV.
 Total Lung Capacity (TLC) = VC + RV.

5. Exchange of Gases
 Occurs by simple diffusion based on partial pressure gradients.
 Oxygen diffuses from alveoli → blood → tissues.
 Carbon dioxide diffuses from tissues → blood → alveoli.
6. Transport of Gases

Oxygen Transport
 98.5% transported as oxyhemoglobin, 1.5% dissolved in plasma.
 Each hemoglobin (Hb) binds 4 molecules of O₂.
 Bohr Effect: Increase in CO₂ or H⁺ reduces Hb-O₂ affinity → promotes O₂ release.

Carbon Dioxide Transport


 70% as bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), 20-25% as carbaminohemoglobin, 7% dissolved in plasma.
 Chloride Shift: Exchange of HCO₃⁻ with Cl⁻ to maintain ionic balance.

7. Regulation of Respiration
 Medulla oblongata: Controls rhythm of breathing.
 Pneumotaxic center (pons): Modulates rate and depth.
 Chemoreceptors: Respond to CO₂, O₂, and H⁺ concentrations.

8. Respiratory Disorders
 Asthma: Inflammation and narrowing of bronchioles due to allergy.
 Emphysema: Damage to alveolar walls, reduced surface area, commonly caused by smoking.
 Occupational Disorders: Caused by inhaling harmful particles (e.g., silicosis, asbestosis).

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