The Cardio-Respiratory System

SESC53: Anatomy & Physiology

Why This Topic Matters

Understanding cardio-respiratory function is vital for maximising athletic performance, tailoring training programmes for performance and health, and supporting rehabilitation and return to performance. It explains how the body fuels exercise, adapts to endurance demands, and recovers efficiently.

This block will explore: heart anatomy, blood circulation, respiratory mechanics, and exercise adaptations. Mastery of these concepts underpins future study in exercise physiology, athletic training, and exercise prescription for health.

Lecture Slides (Click to Expand) +

Videos (Click to Expand) +

Theory Session

Monday 09:00-11:00 | Room LS304

Key Concepts:

Cardiac anatomy & the conduction system
Hemodynamics & vascular physiology
Respiratory mechanics & gas exchange
Integrated cardio-respiratory responses

Lab Practical

Wednesday 13:00-15:00 | Physiology Lab B

Activities:

ECG interpretation & arrhythmia identification
Spirometry measurements & lung volumes
Blood pressure response to postural change
Heart sounds auscultation practical

Preparation:

Read Moini Ch 5 and wear appropriate lab attire (closed-toe shoes).

Key Learning Resources (Click to Expand) +

Cardiovascular System

Respiratory System

Interactive Learning

Library Resources

View the curated A & P library reading list [click here] [note to BJ - build a page of textbooks etc that can be added to this module but also copied each year to all A&P & S&C modules
View Module Reading List [click here]

Independent Study Tasks

The tasks below are for you to complete independently this week. If you have any questions about completing them, please speak to a member of the teaching team at any time.

Theory-related: Cardiac Cycle Analysis

Using OpenStax 19.3, diagram and explain the cardiac cycle phases with timing (250 words + diagram).

Submission Link

Practical-related: Case Study

Analyse how COPD affects respiratory mechanics using Ch 22 concepts (300 words).

Example Answers

What you should know... (Click to Expand) +

By the end of this week, you should be able to...

Describe the basic structure and function of the heart and lungs
Explain how oxygen is transported during exercise
Understand the relationship between heart rate, breathing and exercise intensity
Identify key adaptations that occur with regular cardio-respiratory training

Key Concepts to Focus On

Maximum Heart Rate

Understand the norms for HRmax, how we measure it directly, how we predict it and how we use such predictions in practice

Incremental Exercise

Understand how the body responds to incremental exercise intensity (acute changes)

Chronic Adaptations

Understand what changes the body makes if a person follows an effective exercise training programme

Connecting to Your Assessments

This content directly supports Practical Lab Assessment (XX%) and Lab Report (XX%).

Key Applications:

Lab skills (Blood Pressure, Heart Rate Monitoring) are included in the Practical Assessment
The Lab Report will look at data from the Chester Step Test and incremental maximal aerobic assessment (VO2max test) on a treadmill.
- The Lab Report Introduction will require insight and knowledge of the Cardio-respiratory system.
- The Lab Report Discussion will require insight and knowledge of the Cardio-respiratory system.
Assessments in other modules will revisit content from this block of learning, notably SESC56 Strength & Conditioning.

SESC56 Assessment Overview How To Write Lab Reports

Need Help This Week?

OpenStax Online A&P Textbook Marjon Study Skills Marjon AIM

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<h1 style="margin: 0; font-size: 2.4em;">The Cardio-Respiratory System</h1>
<p style="font-size: 1.1em; margin-top: 12px;">SESC53: Anatomy & Physiology</p>
<div style="margin-top: 28px;"><a style="background: rgba(255,255,255,0.1); color: white; padding: 10px 28px; border-radius: 4px; text-decoration: none; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; border: 1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);" href="https://marjon.instructure.com/courses/198"> Return to Module Homepage </a></div>
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<div style="background-color: #e6f2f5; padding: 20px; border-radius: 5px; border-left: 4px solid #1a5f7a; margin-bottom: 30px;">
<h3 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 0;">Why This Topic Matters</h3>
<p style="color: #333; line-height: 1.6;">Understanding cardio-respiratory function is vital for maximising athletic performance, tailoring training programmes for performance and health, and supporting rehabilitation and return to performance. It explains how the body fuels exercise, adapts to endurance demands, and recovers efficiently.</p>
<p style="color: #333; line-height: 1.6;">This block will explore: <strong>heart anatomy</strong>, <strong>blood circulation</strong>, <strong>respiratory mechanics</strong>, and <strong>exercise adaptations</strong>. Mastery of these concepts underpins future study in exercise physiology, athletic training, and exercise prescription for health.</p>
</div>
<details style="border: 1px solid #d1e0e0; border-radius: 5px; background-color: #f0f7f7; margin-bottom: 30px; overflow: hidden;">
<summary style="cursor: pointer; padding: 15px; background-color: #57c5b6; color: white; list-style: none; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;"><span><strong>Lecture Slides</strong> (Click to Expand)</span> <span style="font-size: 1.2em;">+</span></summary>
<div style="padding: 20px; border-top: 1px solid #d1e0e0; text-align: center;"><iframe style="border: none; max-width: 100%;" src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQpNX37-PiCa-cAE-75NaL50qUXqA7Tw-cCN9NfMLq-7WzpmZFPuPyZkXwLNRsuaacK3WsxXt9f-T5m/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" width="800" height="500" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen"></iframe></div>
</details>
<details style="border: 1px solid #d1e0e0; border-radius: 5px; background-color: #f0f7f7; margin-bottom: 30px; overflow: hidden;">
<summary style="cursor: pointer; padding: 15px; background-color: #57c5b6; color: white; list-style: none; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;"><span><strong>Videos</strong> (Click to Expand)</span> <span style="font-size: 1.2em;">+</span></summary>
<div style="padding: 20px; border-top: 1px solid #d1e0e0; text-align: center;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pyI4Kz01ZR4?si=a47FEFmBf1QsbgUX" width="560" height="315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>
</details>
<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 20px; margin-bottom: 30px;">
<div style="flex: 1; min-width: 300px; background: white; border-radius: 5px; overflow: hidden;">
<div style="background: #1a5f7a; color: white; padding: 15px; text-align: center;">
<h3 style="margin: 0;">Theory Session</h3>
<p style="margin: 5px 0 0; font-size: 0.9em;">Monday 09:00-11:00 | Room LS304</p>
</div>
<div style="padding: 20px;">
<h4 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 0;">Key Concepts:</h4>
<ul style="color: #333; padding-left: 20px;">
<li>Cardiac anatomy & the conduction system</li>
<li>Hemodynamics & vascular physiology</li>
<li>Respiratory mechanics & gas exchange</li>
<li>Integrated cardio-respiratory responses</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 20px;">Related Content:</h4>
<ol style="color: #333; padding-left: 20px;">
<li>Slides: See dropdown box above</li>
<li>Watch ▶️: See videos in dropdown box above</li>
<li>Read 📖: <a class="inline_disabled" href="https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.117.305205" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lavie et al (2015)</a></li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
<div style="flex: 1; min-width: 300px; background: white; border-radius: 5px; overflow: hidden;">
<div style="background: #e67e22; color: white; padding: 15px; text-align: center;">
<h3 style="margin: 0;">Lab Practical</h3>
<p style="margin: 5px 0 0; font-size: 0.9em;">Wednesday 13:00-15:00 | Physiology Lab B</p>
</div>
<div style="padding: 20px;">
<h4 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 0;">Activities:</h4>
<ul style="color: #333; padding-left: 20px;">
<li>ECG interpretation & arrhythmia identification</li>
<li>Spirometry measurements & lung volumes</li>
<li>Blood pressure response to postural change</li>
<li>Heart sounds auscultation practical</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 20px;">Preparation:</h4>
<p style="color: #333; font-size: 0.9em;">Read <a style="color: #1a5f7a;" href="http://samples.jbpub.com/9781449652609/99069_ch05_6101.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Moini Ch 5</a> and wear appropriate lab attire (closed-toe shoes).</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<details style="border: 1px solid #d1e0e0; border-radius: 5px; background-color: #f0f7f7; margin-bottom: 15px; overflow: hidden;">
<summary style="cursor: pointer; padding: 15px; background-color: #1a5f7a; color: white; list-style: none; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;"><span><strong>Key Learning Resources</strong> (Click to Expand)</span> <span style="font-size: 1.2em;">+</span></summary>
<div style="padding: 20px; border-top: 1px solid #d1e0e0;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 30px;">
<h4 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #d1e0e0; padding-bottom: 8px;">Recommended Journal Articles</h4>
<ul style="color: #333; line-height: 1.6; padding-left: 20px; margin-top: 10px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;">Lavie, C. J., Arena, R., Swift, D. L., Johannsen, N. M., Sui, X., Lee, D. C., ... & Blair, S. N. (2015). Exercise and the cardiovascular system: clinical science and cardiovascular outcomes. <em>Circulation research, 117</em>(2), 207-219. <a style="color: #1a5f7a;" href="https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.117.305205" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.117.305205</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;">Robergs, R.A. & Landwehr, R. (2002) The surprising history of the "HRmax=220-age" equation. <em>JEPonline, 5</em>(2), 1-10 [<a style="color: #1a5f7a;" href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&title=The+surprising+history+of+the+%E2%80%9CHRmax%3D220-age%E2%80%9D+equation%2E&journal=J%2E+Exerc%2E+Physiol%2E&author=Robergs+R.&author=Landwehr+R.&publication_year=2002&volume=5&pages=1%E2%80%9310" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Google Scholar</a>]</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;">Shookster, D., Lindsey, B., Cortes, N., & Martin, J. R. (2020). Accuracy of commonly used age-predicted maximal heart rate equations. <em>International journal of exercise science, 13</em>(7), 1242. <a style="color: #1a5f7a;" href="https://doi.org/10.70252/XFSJ6815" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.70252/XFSJ6815</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 20px; margin-bottom: 30px;">
<div style="flex: 1; min-width: 200px;">
<h4 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #d1e0e0; padding-bottom: 8px;">Cardiovascular System</h4>
<ul style="color: #333; padding-left: 20px; margin-top: 10px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><a style="color: #1a5f7a;" href="https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/19-introduction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OpenStax Ch 19: The Heart</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><a style="color: #1a5f7a;" href="https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/20-introduction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OpenStax Ch 20: Blood Vessels</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><a style="color: #1a5f7a;" href="http://samples.jbpub.com/9781449652609/99069_ch05_6101.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Moini: CV Anatomy & Physiology</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="flex: 1; min-width: 200px;">
<h4 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #d1e0e0; padding-bottom: 8px;">Respiratory System</h4>
<ul style="color: #333; padding-left: 20px; margin-top: 10px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><a style="color: #1a5f7a;" href="https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/22-introduction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OpenStax Ch 22: Respiratory System</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><a style="color: #1a5f7a;" href="https://www.benjanefitness.com/anatomy-physiology/cvadaptations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Exercise Adaptations</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="flex: 1; min-width: 200px;">
<h4 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #d1e0e0; padding-bottom: 8px;">Interactive Learning</h4>
<ul style="color: #333; padding-left: 20px; margin-top: 10px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><a style="color: #1a5f7a;" href="https://www.benjanefitness.com/anatomy-physiology/cardiovascular" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cardiovascular Visual Guide</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><a style="color: #1a5f7a;" href="https://www.visiblebody.com/learn/respiratory" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Respiratory 3D Models</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<h4 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #d1e0e0; padding-bottom: 8px;">Library Resources</h4>
<ul style="color: #333; line-height: 1.6; padding-left: 20px; margin-top: 10px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;">View the curated A & P library reading list [click here] [note to BJ - build a page of textbooks etc that can be added to this module but also copied each year to all A&P & S&C modules</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;">View Module Reading List [click here]</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</details>
<div style="background-color: white; border-radius: 5px; padding: 25px; margin-bottom: 30px; border: 2px solid #57c5b6;">
<h3 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 0; border-bottom: 2px solid #57c5b6; padding-bottom: 8px; display: inline-block;">Independent Study Tasks</h3>
<p style="color: #333; margin-top: 10px;">The tasks below are for you to complete independently this week. If you have any questions about completing them, please speak to a member of the teaching team at any time.</p>
<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 15px; margin: 20px 0;">
<div style="flex: 1; min-width: 250px; background: #f9f9f9; padding: 15px; border-radius: 5px; border-left: 3px solid #1a5f7a;">
<h4 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 0;">Theory-related: <strong>Cardiac Cycle Analysis</strong></h4>
<p style="color: #333; font-size: 0.9em;">Using OpenStax 19.3, diagram and explain the cardiac cycle phases with timing (250 words + diagram).</p>
<a style="color: #1a5f7a; font-size: 0.9em;" href="#">Submission Link</a>
</div>
<div style="flex: 1; min-width: 250px; background: #f9f9f9; padding: 15px; border-radius: 5px; border-left: 3px solid #e67e22;">
<h4 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 0;">Practical-related: <strong>Case Study</strong></h4>
<p style="color: #333; font-size: 0.9em;">Analyse how COPD affects respiratory mechanics using Ch 22 concepts (300 words).</p>
<a style="color: #1a5f7a; font-size: 0.9em;" href="#">Example Answers</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<details style="border: 1px solid #d1e0e0; border-radius: 5px; background-color: #f0f7f7; margin-bottom: 15px; overflow: hidden;">
<summary style="cursor: pointer; padding: 15px; background-color: #1a5f7a; color: white; list-style: none; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;"><span><strong>What you should know...</strong> (Click to Expand)</span> <span style="font-size: 1.2em;">+</span></summary>
<div style="padding: 20px; border-top: 1px solid #d1e0e0;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 25px;">
<h4 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 0; border-bottom: 2px solid #d1e0e0; padding-bottom: 8px;">By the end of this week, you should be able to...</h4>
<ul style="color: #333; line-height: 1.6; padding-left: 22px; margin-top: 15px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px; position: relative; padding-left: 10px;">Describe the basic structure and function of the heart and lungs</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px; position: relative; padding-left: 10px;">Explain how oxygen is transported during exercise</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px; position: relative; padding-left: 10px;">Understand the relationship between heart rate, breathing and exercise intensity</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px; position: relative; padding-left: 10px;">Identify key adaptations that occur with regular cardio-respiratory training</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 15px;">
<h4 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 0; border-bottom: 2px solid #d1e0e0; padding-bottom: 8px;">Key Concepts to Focus On</h4>
<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<div style="flex: 1; min-width: 200px; background-color: #e6f2f2; padding: 12px; border-radius: 5px;"><strong style="color: #1a5f7a;">Maximum Heart Rate</strong>
<p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; font-size: 0.95em;">Understand the norms for HRmax, how we measure it directly, how we predict it and how we use such predictions in practice</p>
</div>
<div style="flex: 1; min-width: 200px; background-color: #e6f2f2; padding: 12px; border-radius: 5px;"><strong style="color: #1a5f7a;">Incremental Exercise</strong>
<p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; font-size: 0.95em;">Understand how the body responds to incremental exercise intensity (acute changes)</p>
</div>
<div style="flex: 1; min-width: 200px; background-color: #e6f2f2; padding: 12px; border-radius: 5px;"><strong style="color: #1a5f7a;">Chronic Adaptations</strong>
<p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; font-size: 0.95em;">Understand what changes the body makes if a person follows an effective exercise training programme</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</details>
<div style="background-color: #fff8e6; padding: 20px; border-radius: 5px; border-left: 4px solid #e67e22; margin-bottom: 30px;">
<h3 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 0;">Connecting to Your Assessments</h3>
<p style="color: #333; margin-bottom: 15px;">This content directly supports <strong>Practical Lab Assessment (XX%)</strong> and <strong>Lab Report (XX%)</strong>.</p>
<div style="background: white; padding: 15px; border-radius: 5px;">
<h4 style="color: #1a5f7a; margin-top: 0;">Key Applications:</h4>
<ul style="color: #333; padding-left: 20px;">
<li>Lab skills (Blood Pressure, Heart Rate Monitoring) are included in the Practical Assessment</li>
<li>The Lab Report will look at data from the Chester Step Test and incremental maximal aerobic assessment (VO2max test) on a treadmill.
<ul style="color: #333; padding-left: 20px;">
<li>The Lab Report Introduction will require insight and knowledge of the Cardio-respiratory system.</li>
<li>The Lab Report Discussion will require insight and knowledge of the Cardio-respiratory system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Assessments in other modules will revisit content from this block of learning, notably SESC56 Strength & Conditioning.</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-top: 15px;"><a style="background: #e67e22; color: white; padding: 8px 15px; border-radius: 4px; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; font-size: 0.9em;" href="https://marjon.instructure.com/">SESC56 Assessment Overview</a> <a style="background: transparent; color: #e67e22; padding: 8px 15px; border-radius: 4px; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; font-size: 0.9em; margin-left: 10px; border: 1px solid #e67e22;" href="https://www.benjanefitness.com/studyskills/writing-lab-reports">How To Write Lab Reports</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #1a5f7a, #159895); color: white; padding: 25px; border-radius: 5px;">
<h3 style="margin-top: 0;">Need Help This Week?</h3>
<div style="display: flex; justify-content: center; gap: 15px; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-top: 15px;"><a style="background: transparent; color: white; padding: 10px 20px; border-radius: 4px; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; border: 2px solid white; font-size: 0.9em;" href="https://openstax.org/details/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e">OpenStax Online A&P Textbook</a> <a style="background: transparent; color: white; padding: 10px 20px; border-radius: 4px; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; border: 2px solid white; font-size: 0.9em;" href="https://marjonuni.sharepoint.com/sites/studentportal/SitePages/Study-Skills.aspx">Marjon Study Skills</a> <a style="background: transparent; color: white; padding: 10px 20px; border-radius: 4px; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; border: 2px solid white; font-size: 0.9em;" href="https://marjonuni.sharepoint.com/sites/studentportal/SitePages/AIM.aspx">Marjon AIM</a></div>
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