Date:

THE BREATHING MECHANISM

1. State whether the following statements are about exhalation (E) or inhalation (I).

Volume of thoracic cavity Volume of thoracic cavity

increases decreases
Intercostal muscles contract Intercostal muscles relax
Air pressure in thoracic cavity Air pressure in thoracic cavity
increases decreases
Diaphragm flattens Diaphragm curves upwards
Ribcage moves downwards and Ribcage moves upwards and
inward forward
Air rushes into the lungs Air is forced out of the lungs
Diaphragm contracts Diaphragm relaxes

2. Use the statements above to complete the flow chart below. Choose EITHER to
do exhalation OR inhalation. phase of breathing :
*exhale /
inhale*

Intercostal muscles diaphragm

Ribcage diaphragm

Volume of thoracic
cavity

Air pressure

Air ______
_____________________
lungs.

3. Name two factors that enable the alveoli in our lungs to absorb gases efficiently (pg6).
4. A model of the human respiratory system is prepared as shown in the figure on the left
and a diagram of the human respiratory system on the right.

Model human
respiratory system
a. Record what happens when
Represents
Effect on volume of Observation (of
Action exhaling @
bell jar balloon)
inhaling
The rubber
sheet is pulled
downwards
The rubber
sheet is
pushed
upwards

b. Draw lines from the model to the parts represented in the human respiratory system.

c. State one difference between the action of the model and the real respiratory
system.

5. Complete the table below to show the percentage volumes of oxygen and carbon dioxide
in the air
Gas Inhaled air Exhaled air inhaled and
Oxygen 21 exhaled by a
human.
Carbon dioxide 0.03
Water vapour normal More / less

6. Explain each of the following in terms of exhaling or inhaling.

A cough A sigh
A gasp A laugh
A sneeze