Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems

What the resources cover

The unit splits neatly into two halves: the heart and circulation, and the lungs and breathing. The mind map Cardiovascular system covers stroke volume, the four chambers of the heart, the myogenic nature of heart muscle and the main blood vessels. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and Blood Pressure & Effects Of Warm Up and Cool Down On VS extend the picture.

On the respiratory side, Respiratory Volumes, Breathing Mechanics and Effects Of Altitude On The Respiratory System look at how air moves and how conditions change it. Short term effects of exercise (Respiratory) explains minute volume, including expired and inspired amounts.

Where to start

1. Open Structure and functions of the cardio-respiratory system for an overview of the heart and its transport role.
2. Move to Respiratory System, which sets out short term effects, long term effects and gaseous exchange.
3. Look at Vasomotor Control Centre (VCC) and Regulation of the Heart for how the body controls blood flow and heart rate.
4. Finish with the flashcard decks, such as HR and SV and CO and Acute Responses (cardio, respiratory and muscular).

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a mind map first, then try a quiz. The Cardiovascular Quiz and the Respiratory System Quiz are good first checks. If a question catches you out, go back to the matching map and read that branch again. Then test yourself with flashcards until the terms come easily.

Where this unit sits

This unit belongs to the strand Applied Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics in Physical education and sport. Several resources mention GCSE PE and A-level PE, so they suit school-level revision, and teachers can use them as ready-made material.

Next step

Choose one map that matches what you are studying this week, work through it, and then take a quiz to see what stuck.