The functioning of the cardiorespiratory system
When one breathes in air via the nose and mouth, this air travels to the lungs. Oxygen that is contained within the air gets absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. The heart then pumps oxygenated (oxygen-rich) blood via the network of arteries (blood vessels) to the body tissues everywhere around the body. These tissues include organs (such as kidneys and livers), nerves and muscles. Upon arrival at the various tissues, blood releases the carried oxygen. This oxygen is required by body cells to function. Cells dispatch waste products like water and carbon dioxide, which are then absorbed and carried away by the blood. The already used blood (deoxygenated blood) travels back towards the heart through the veins. The heart the pumps this deoxygenated blood all the way back to the lungs, where fresh oxygen get absorbed, and carbon dioxide is released and the cycle begins again.
Ways of improving the cardiorespiratory system
Strengthening cardiorespiratory systems is enhanced by physical activity-some is okay; but more is much better. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends three primary ways of improving cardiovascular system/fitness; increasing the exercise duration, increasing the exercise intensity, as well as factoring in some interval trainings on the workout routine. Cardiovascular fitness relates to the aerobic capacity, which is the maximum quantity of oxygen that can be utilized while being involved in an exercise. During an exercise, the cardiovascular demand increases since muscles tend to demand more oxygen in maintaining their output. The cardiovascular system in turn responds by advancing the blood pressure, heart rate and redirecting the flow of blood for maximization of the quantity of oxygen being delivered to the muscles. What then would be the required exercise duration? As such, healthy individuals need to be involved in at least 150 minutes of light- to moderate-to vigorously intense aerobic exercise weekly. The higher the intensity of the exercise, the better it is for cardiovascular system.
