An increase in heart rate and breathing rate accompanies exercise because the body needs to provide oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. During exercise, the muscles require more oxygen to produce energy through aerobic respiration. The increased heart rate and breathing rate help deliver a higher volume of oxygen to the muscles and remove carbon dioxide and waste products generated during exercise.
The heart rate increases to pump more oxygenated blood to the working muscles efficiently. The increased heart rate is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic nervous system, which releases stress hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones stimulate the heart to beat faster, increasing the heart rate.
The breathing rate increases to bring in more oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. When exercise begins, the brain sends signals to the respiratory muscles, primarily the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, stimulating them to contract at a faster rate. This increases the volume of air inhaled and exhaled with each breath, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.
Overall, the increase in heart rate and breathing rate during exercise is a necessary physiological response to meet the increased oxygen demands of the active muscles.
Why does an increase in heart rate and breathing rate accompany exercise?
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