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
Based on the information given in the question, the correct answer is:
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 which of the options is a function of the respiratory system based on the given graph, we need to examine the change in respiration rate as the person transitions from resting to running to walking and back to resting again.
Looking at the graph, we can see that as the activity level increases from resting to running, the respiration rate also increases significantly. This indicates that the respiratory system is adjusting to meet the increased oxygen demand during heavy activity.
Therefore, option C: "to increase the breathing rate during heavy activity so that more carbon dioxide can be absorbed by respiratory cells" is a function of the respiratory system, as it accurately reflects the changes observed in the graph.