How lung capacity increases when doing consistent cardio and what happens anatomically?
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I’ll do my best to try and explain but I’m not really an expert here so bear with me:
When we engage in consistent cardio exercises, such as running, swimming, or cycling, our lung capacity increases due to various anatomical and physiological adaptations.
During cardio exercises, our body requires more oxygen to meet the increased energy demands. To accommodate this, our breathing rate and depth increase, leading to deeper and more forceful inhalations and exhalations. This allows a larger volume of air to enter and exit the lungs.
Anatomically, the lungs contain millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli. These alveoli are surrounded by tiny blood vessels called capillaries. When we inhale, oxygen from the air enters the alveoli and diffuses into the capillaries, while carbon dioxide, a waste product, moves from the capillaries into the alveoli to be exhaled. The efficiency of this gas exchange process improves with regular cardio exercise.
Consistent cardio exercise stimulates adaptations in the respiratory system. The diaphragm, which is the primary muscle responsible for breathing, becomes stronger and more efficient. Other respiratory muscles also strengthen, allowing for greater lung expansion and increased air intake.
Additionally, the alveoli and the surrounding capillaries undergo structural changes. The alveoli become more elastic and better able to expand and contract, allowing for improved air exchange. The number of capillaries surrounding the alveoli may increase, enhancing the oxygen supply to the blood and facilitating efficient removal of carbon dioxide.
Regular cardio exercise also improves the efficiency of the cardiovascular system, which works in coordination with the respiratory system. The heart becomes stronger and pumps blood more efficiently, delivering oxygen-rich blood to the muscles and organs. This, in turn, supports enhanced oxygen uptake by the lungs
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