Physiology of fitness Acute responses to exercise
We will look at the acute responses that happen when playing basketball, the three areas that we will look at are respiratory system, cardiovascular system and energy systems.
Respiratory system:
Every tissue within the body requires oxygen to function. The respiratory system provides oxygenated blood to the body tissue and removes waste products. The primary organs of the respiratory system are lungs these carry out an exchange of gases as we breathe, as we breathe in we take in oxygen and as we breathe out we expel carbon dioxide. When playing basketball there are many short bursts of intense work, for the body to respond to this the right amount oxygen has to be used by the working muscles so they have the right energy to move effectively. If the body has not recovered it will be harder for the player to react and move to respond to the play.
Organs of the respiratory system:
Nose cavity- The nasal cavity is a hollow space within the nose and skull that is lined with hairs and mucus membrane. The function of the nasal cavity is to warm, moisturize, and filter air entering the body before it reaches the lungs.
Pharynx- The function of the pharynx is to transfer food and to warm, moisten and filter air before it moves into the trachea.
Epiglottis- The epiglottis is a flexible flap at the superior end of the larynx in the throat. It acts as a switch between the larynx and the esophagus to permit air to enter the airway to the lungs
Larynx- this is where the vocal chords are held they become tighter and contract when speaking while becoming relaxed for the duration of breathing.
Bronchus- these are extensions of the wind pipe that shuttle air to and from the lungs
Bronchioles- Bronchioles are tiny airways that carry oxygen to the alveoli in the lungs and help stabilize breathing in the respiratory system
Alveoli- Gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place in the alveoli. Oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses through the walls of the alveoli and carried to the muscles.