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
C. to increase the breathing rate during heavy activity so that more carbon dioxide can be absorbed by respiratory cells
The function of the respiratory system, based on the graph, is:
C. to increase the breathing rate during heavy activity so that more carbon dioxide can be absorbed by respiratory cells
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze the options based on the information provided in the graph.
Option A states that the respiratory system delivers oxygen to cells at different rates to produce varying amounts of energy when needed. Looking at the graph, we can see that the respiration rate increases during heavy activity (running) and decreases during rest. This increase in respiration rate during activity suggests that the respiratory system is indeed adjusting the oxygen delivery to meet the energy demands of the body. Therefore, option A appears to be a valid function of the respiratory system.
Option B mentions the detection of changes in the outside world and transmission of nerve impulses throughout the body. However, the graph does not provide any information on the nervous system's role or nerve impulses related to the respiratory system. Therefore, option B is not supported by the given graph.
Option C suggests that the respiratory system increases breathing rate during heavy activity to absorb more carbon dioxide. We can observe from the graph that the respiration rate increases during heavy activity (running), which supports this statement. Hence, option C seems to be a valid function of the respiratory system.
Option D discusses decreasing a person's heartbeat and blood flow during heavy activity to prevent blood pooling. However, the graph only represents the changes in the respiration rate and does not provide any information about heart rate or blood flow. Therefore, option D is not supported by the given graph.
In conclusion, based on the given graph, options A and C appear to be functions of the respiratory system.