152k views
3 votes
When running, an athlete breathes more quickly and takes larger breaths than at rest. Give a reason for this.

1 Answer

1 vote
Answer:

The athlete's breathing rate increases, and the breaths taken are deeper and larger. This allows more air to enter the lungs and more oxygen to diffuse into the bloodstream


Step-by-step explanation:

When an athlete runs, their body requires more energy to fuel the muscles involved in the activity. This increased demand for energy is met by the process of aerobic respiration, which requires oxygen to produce ATP, the energy currency of cells.

To meet this increased demand for oxygen, the athlete's breathing rate increases, and the breaths taken are deeper and larger. This allows more air to enter the lungs and more oxygen to diffuse into the bloodstream, where it can be transported to the cells in the body that need it.

Additionally, the increased breathing rate and depth help to remove carbon dioxide from the body, which is a byproduct of cellular respiration. The removal of carbon dioxide helps to regulate the pH of the body fluids and prevents the buildup of excess carbon dioxide, which can cause respiratory acidosis.

Therefore, the athlete breathes more quickly and takes larger breaths during running to meet the increased demand for oxygen and remove excess carbon dioxide, which helps to support the body's energy needs during exercise.
User Matteo Enna
by
8.2k points