Chapter 1: Respiration – Study Notes Science Year 8
Chapter 1: Respiration – Study Notes
1.1 The Human Respiratory System
• Respiration Overview
o A series of chemical reactions occurring inside every living cell.
o Its primary function is to release energy from food.
o Aerobic respiration, the most common type, uses oxygen and produces
carbon dioxide as a waste product.
• Components of the Respiratory System
o Mouth and Nose: Entry points for air.
o Trachea (Windpipe): Connects mouth/nose to the lungs, supported by
strong cartilage rings to keep it open.
o Bronchi (singular: Bronchus): Two main tubes branching from the
trachea, each leading to a lung. Also supported by cartilage.
o Bronchioles: Smaller tubes that branch off the bronchi, extending deeper
into the lungs.
o Air Sacs (Alveoli): Tiny structures at the ends of bronchioles where gas
exchange takes place.
o Larynx (Voicebox): Contains vocal cords which vibrate to produce
sound.
1.2 Gas Exchange
• Location of Gas Exchange: Occurs in the air sacs (alveoli) within the lungs.
• Process of Diffusion
o Oxygen: Diffuses from the air in the air sacs, through thin cell walls, and
into the blood.
o Carbon Dioxide: Diffuses from the blood, through thin cell walls, and into
the air in the air sacs.
• Structural Adaptations for Efficiency
o Both the walls of air sacs and the surrounding blood capillaries are made
of a single layer of very thin cells.
o Capillaries are pressed tightly against air sacs, creating a short diffusion
distance.
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Chapter 1: Respiration – Study Notes Science Year 8
o The large number of small air sacs provides a large surface area for
efficient gas exchange.
• Oxygen Transport in Blood
o Once in the blood, oxygen dissolves and combines with haemoglobin (a
red pigment) inside red blood cells, forming oxyhaemoglobin.
1.3 Breathing
• Definition: The physical movement of air into and out of the lungs.
• Breathing In (Inhalation)
o Intercostal muscles contract, pulling ribs upwards and outwards.
o Diaphragm muscles contract, pulling the diaphragm downwards.
o These actions increase the volume of the chest cavity, leading to a
decrease in pressure inside the lungs.
o Air rushes into the lungs.
• Breathing Out (Exhalation)
o Intercostal muscles relax, allowing ribs to move downwards and
inwards.
o Diaphragm muscles relax, returning the diaphragm to its normal domed
shape.
o These actions decrease the volume of the chest cavity, leading to an
increase in pressure inside the lungs.
o Air is forced out of the lungs.
• Air Composition Differences
o Expired air (breathed out) contains more carbon dioxide than inspired
air.
o Inspired air (breathed in) contains more oxygen than expired air.
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Chapter 1: Respiration – Study Notes Science Year 8
1.4 Respiration (Cellular)
• Purpose: To release useful energy from glucose in a controlled manner for the
body's functions.
• Location: Takes place inside every living cell, specifically within structures
called mitochondria.
• Word Equation for Aerobic Respiration: glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide +
water (+ energy released)
• Heat Production: Respiration is an exothermic process; some of the released
energy is converted into heat energy, warming the respiring cells.
• Key Distinction: Respiration is a chemical reaction for energy release.
Breathing is the physical movement of air for gas exchange.
1.5 Blood
• Overall Function: Transports necessary substances (glucose and oxygen) to
cells and removes waste products (carbon dioxide and water) from cells.
• Blood Components and Their Functions
o Blood Plasma
▪ The liquid part of blood, mostly water, appearing pale yellow.
▪ Transports red and white blood cells, dissolved glucose, and
waste carbon dioxide.
o Red Blood Cells
▪ Most numerous cells, giving blood its red color.
▪ Function: Transport oxygen.
▪ Key Adaptations:
▪ Contain large amounts of haemoglobin (red pigment) that
binds with oxygen to form oxyhaemoglobin.
▪ Lack a nucleus and mitochondria to create more space
for haemoglobin and prevent them from using the oxygen
they are transporting.
▪ Small size allows them to pass through tiny blood
capillaries effectively.
o White Blood Cells
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Chapter 1: Respiration – Study Notes Science Year 8
▪ Less numerous than red blood cells, possess nuclei.
▪ Function: Defend the body against pathogens (disease-causing
bacteria and viruses).
▪ Defense Mechanisms:
▪ Some can change shape to engulf and digest bacteria
(phagocytosis).
▪ Others produce antibodies, chemicals that kill or group
pathogens together, making them easier for other white
blood cells to eliminate.
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