The respiratory system, breathing and respiration (CCEA)Breathing

The human respiratory system is adapted to allow air to pass in and out of the body, and for efficient gas exchange to happen.

Part ofCombined ScienceLiving processes

Breathing

Effect of exercise on breathing rate and depth

Muscle cells require more energy during exercise. Energy is made during .

When exercising, cells will need more oxygen and produce more carbon dioxide as a result of increased respiration.

A runner catching his breath.

When blood reaches the lungs, a larger volume of air is needed to replace the oxygen used and remove the carbon dioxide produced by this extra respiration.

In order to supply more oxygen to the exercising cells, the body increases the rate and depth of breathing.

The time taken for the breathing rate to return to normal is known as the recovery time.

This can be used as a measure of fitness.