The graph below shows how the respiratory system changes as a person goes from resting to running to walking to resting again. The respiration rate is the number of breaths a person takes per minute.
Based on the graph, which of the following is a function of the respiratory system?
A.
to deliver oxygen to cells for cellular respiration at different rates so that different amounts of energy can be made when needed
B.
to detect changes in the outside world through nerve impulses and send these impulses throughout the body
C.
to increase the breathing rate during heavy activity so that more carbon dioxide can be absorbed by respiratory cells
D.
to decrease a person's heartbeat during heavy activity and decrease the flow of blood to areas that will pool with blood
A.
to deliver oxygen to cells for cellular respiration at different rates so that different amounts of energy can be made when needed
A. to deliver oxygen to cells for cellular respiration at different rates so that different amounts of energy can be made when needed
To determine the function of the respiratory system based on the given graph, we need to analyze the information presented.
Looking at the graph, we notice that the respiration rate increases as a person goes from resting to running, but then decreases as they transition to walking and eventually resting again. This suggests that the respiratory system adjusts its activity levels according to the person's level of physical exertion.
Now let's examine the answer choices and determine which one aligns with this function:
A. The function mentioned in option A, to deliver oxygen to cells for cellular respiration at different rates so that different amounts of energy can be made when needed, is a valid function of the respiratory system during different levels of activity. As a person's physical effort increases, their oxygen demand also rises, requiring the respiratory system to deliver more oxygen to the cells. Thus, option A is a plausible answer.
B. Option B, to detect changes in the outside world through nerve impulses and send these impulses throughout the body, is not a direct function of the respiratory system. While sensory nerves in the respiratory system may detect stimuli like irritants or changes in temperature, this does not represent the primary function of respiration.
C. The function mentioned in option C, to increase the breathing rate during heavy activity so that more carbon dioxide can be absorbed by respiratory cells, is supported by the graph. When a person engages in physical activity, they produce more carbon dioxide due to increased cellular respiration. Consequently, the respiratory system must eliminate this excess carbon dioxide by increasing the breathing rate. Therefore, option C is also a reasonable answer.
D. Option D, to decrease a person's heartbeat during heavy activity and decrease the flow of blood to areas that will pool with blood, does not accurately describe the primary function of the respiratory system. Although there might be indirect cardiovascular effects during physical activity, such as increased heart rate, the primary role of the respiratory system does not include regulating heartbeat or blood flow.
Considering all the options, both option A (to deliver oxygen to cells for cellular respiration at different rates) and option C (to increase the breathing rate during heavy activity so that more carbon dioxide can be absorbed) are functions of the respiratory system that are supported by the graph. Therefore, either option A or option C could be the correct answer.