Textbook Question
Cary hyperventilates for several minutes before diving into a swimming pool. After he enters and begins swimming underwater, he blacks out and almost drowns. What caused this to happen?
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Ch. 23 The Respiratory System
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology26
- Ch. 2 The Chemical Level of Organization34
- Ch. 3 The Cellular Level of Organization30
- Ch. 4 The Tissue Level of Organization24
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System17
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Structure36
- Ch. 7 The Axial Skeleton11
- Ch. 8 The Appendicular Skeleton17
- Ch. 9 Joints13
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue12
- Ch. 11 The Muscular System28
- Ch. 12 Nervous Tissue18
- Ch. 13 The Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerves, and Spinal Reflexes22
- Ch. 14 The Brain and Cranial Nerves20
- Ch. 15 Sensory Pathways and the Somatic Nervous System17
- Ch. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order Functions30
- Ch. 17 The Special Senses16
- Ch. 18 The Endocrine System20
- Ch. 19 Blood31
- Ch. 20 The Heart31
- Ch. 21 Blood Vessels and Circulation29
- Ch. 22 The Lymphatic System and Immunity31
- Ch. 23 The Respiratory System12
- Ch. 24 The Digestive System18
- Ch. 26 The Urinary System31
- Ch. 27 Fluids & Electrolytes32
- Ch. 28 The Reproductive System12
- Ch. 29 Development and Inheritance23
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 23, Problem 23
What happens to the process of respiration when a person is sneezing or coughing?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that respiration involves the movement of air into and out of the lungs, which is controlled by the respiratory system. Sneezing and coughing are reflex actions that temporarily disrupt normal respiration.
Recognize that sneezing is triggered by irritation in the nasal passages, while coughing is triggered by irritation in the respiratory tract, such as the trachea or bronchi. Both reflexes aim to expel irritants or foreign particles from the respiratory system.
During sneezing or coughing, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract forcefully, creating a rapid increase in pressure within the thoracic cavity. This pressure forces air out of the lungs at high speed, carrying irritants or particles with it.
Note that the glottis (the opening between the vocal cords) closes momentarily during these reflexes, trapping air in the lungs. When the glottis opens suddenly, the trapped air is expelled forcefully, producing the characteristic sound of a sneeze or cough.
Understand that normal respiration resumes immediately after sneezing or coughing, as the reflex action is brief and does not cause long-term disruption to the respiratory process.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Respiration
Respiration is the biochemical process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. It involves two main stages: external respiration, which is the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the lungs, and internal respiration, which occurs at the cellular level. Understanding respiration is crucial to grasp how sneezing and coughing can temporarily alter this process.
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Respiration
Sneezing and Coughing Mechanism
Sneezing and coughing are reflex actions that help clear the respiratory tract of irritants, pathogens, or mucus. During these actions, a significant amount of air is expelled forcefully, which can disrupt normal breathing patterns. This sudden expulsion of air can temporarily affect the rate and depth of respiration, as the body prioritizes clearing the airway over regular gas exchange.
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Impact on Gas Exchange
Gas exchange refers to the process of oxygen entering the bloodstream and carbon dioxide being expelled from it, primarily occurring in the alveoli of the lungs. During sneezing or coughing, the rapid expulsion of air can lead to a brief interruption in this exchange, potentially reducing oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal. Understanding this impact is essential for comprehending how respiratory functions adapt during these reflex actions.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
What is the significance of
(b) Dalton's law, to the process of respiration?
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Textbook Question
What are the differences between pulmonary volumes and respiratory capacities? How are pulmonary volumes and respiratory capacities determined?
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Textbook Question
What is the significance of
(a) Boyle's law, to the process of respiration?
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Textbook Question
Why do individuals who are anemic generally not exhibit an increase in respiratory rate or tidal volume, even though their blood is not carrying enough oxygen?
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Textbook Question
What is the significance of
(c) Henry's law to the process of respiration?
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