Chapter 1 Science Form 1

Chapter 1
RESPIRATION
Human need oxygen in the air to live.
Oxygen is required during breathing. We
will be healthy and active if we get clean air
to breathe.
What is the function of oxygen in our body?
1.1 Human Breathing Mechanism

1. Breathing is a physical process in
which air is inhaled or taken in and
exhaled or given out by a living body.
2. The system that helps human to
breathe is the human respiratory
system.
The Human Respiratory System
3. Parts of the human

respiratory system are:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Nasal cavity
Trachea
Bronchus
Bronchioles
Alveolus
Lungs
Diaphragm
The Structure of the Lungs
Alveolus
(air sacs)
4. Each alveolus is surrounded by a network of

thin-walled blood vessels called capillaries.
bronchiole
capillaries
air sac
Alveolus
Mechanism of human breathing

1. The breathing mechanism consists
of two phases. The taking in of air is
called inhalation. The letting out of
air is called exhalation.
2. During breathing, the lungs expand
and return to their normal size to
pump air into and out of them.
3. The movements of the ribs and the
diaphragm bring about breathing.
Inhalation
1. During inhalation, the

rib cage moves
upwards and
outwards.
2. The diaphragm
contracts, move
downwards and
flattens.
3. The thoracic becomes
bigger and causing
the air pressure to
decrease.
4. The higher air
pressure outside
forces the air into the
lungs.
Exhalation
1. During exhalation, the

rib cage moves
downwards and
inwards.
2. The diaphragm
expands and curve
upwards.
3. The thoracic becomes
smaller and causing
the air pressure to
increase.
4. The higher air
pressure in the lungs
forces the air out.
Detailed structure of alveolus

Exit of blood
Air movement
Entry of blood
Alveolar wall
(one-cell thick)
Thin layer
of moisture
Red blood
cell
Capillary
Adaptation of the alveoli for

efficient gas exchange
1. Large surface
area to provide a
large surface
area for gas
exchange
2. Very thin walls as
one-cell thick to
provide a very
short distance
for the diffusion
of gases.
3. Moist inner
surface so that
oxygen can
dissolve easily.
4. Surrounded by
many blood
capillaries that
help to transport
gases to and
from the alveoli
quickly.
1.2 Transport of Oxygen in the Human Body

1. During inhalation, air is taken into the lungs
through the nasal cavity, through the trachea,
bronchi, bronchioles and finally alveoli.
2. The air that reaches the alveoli is rich in oxygen
and poor in carbon dioxide.
3. The movement of oxygen from the alveolus into
blood capillaries involves diffusion.
4. Diffusion is the movement of molecules from a
region of higher concentration of the molecules
to a region of lower concentration of the
molecules.
5. Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the

red blood cells in the capillaries.
6. At the same time, the red blood cells in the
capillaries release carbon dioxide which
diffuses into the alveoli.
7. Red blood cells contain the oxygencarrying pigment called haemoglobin.
8. Oxygen combines with haemoglobin to
form oxyhaemoglobin.
9. The blood containing oxyhaemoglobin is
transported from the lungs to other parts of
our body.
10. Gas exchange also takes place between the

capillaries and the body cells.
11. Oxygen has a higher concentration in the
capillaries than in the body cells.
12. Carbon dioxide has a higher concentration
in the body cells than in the capillaries.
13. Oxyhaemoglobin releases oxygen which
diffuses in the body cells.
14. Carbon dioxide diffuses into the blood at
the same time.
1.3 The Importance of A Healthy

Respiratory System
The substances which are harmful to

the respiratory system
1. The air that we breathe in may contain
substances which are harmful to our
respiratory system.
2. For example,
Air pollutant
Cigarette smoke
Harmful substances
Nicotine, tar, carcinogens,
irritants, carbon monoxide
Gases from factories

Exhaust fumes
Haze
Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide

Carbon monoxide
Smoke, dust
Effects of harmful substances on the

respiratory system
1. Nicotine
a. Nicotine is the drug that causes addiction
to cigarette smoking.
b. Nicotine causes rapid heartbeat, increased
blood pressure and rapid breathing.
c. The diseases related to nicotine include
emphysema, heart disease and stroke.
2. Tar
a. Tar contain carcinogens (substance that
cause cancer).
b. Tar blackens the lungs and irritates the
respiratory tract, causing smokers cough.
3. Sulphur dioxide
a. The burning of coal and oil at factories and
power station emits SO2.
b. Exposure to SO2 can cause irritation of the
respiratory system, coughs, breathing
difficulties, bronchitis and lung cancer.
4. Carbon monoxide
a. It commonly found in the smoke vehicles.
b. Low concentration of CO can cause
dizziness, headaches and fatigue whereas
high concentration can be fatal.
5. Haze
a. Continuous exposure can cause coughing,
nasal congestion, watery nose, constant
sneezing and chest pain.
b. It can cause illness like asthma, bronchitis
and pneumonia.

Chapter 1 Science Form 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter 1 Science Form 1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter 1 Science Form 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter 1

1.1 Human Breathing Mechanism

The Human Respiratory System

3. Parts of the human

The Structure of the Lungs

4. Each alveolus is surrounded by a network of

Mechanism of human breathing

1. During inhalation, the

1. During exhalation, the

Detailed structure of alveolus

Adaptation of the alveoli for

1.2 Transport of Oxygen in the Human Body

5. Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the

10. Gas exchange also takes place between the

1.3 The Importance of A Healthy

The substances which are harmful to

Gases from factories

Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide

Effects of harmful substances on the

You might also like