Hematology and Oncology—Physiology

Human cells are primarily reliant on aerobic metabolism. Therefore, it is of vital importance to efficiently obtain oxygen from the environment and bring it to the tissues, while excreting the by-product of cellular respiration (carbon dioxide). Respiration involves both the respiratory and circulatory systems. There are 4 processes that supply the body with O2 and dispose of CO2. The respiratory system is involved in pulmonary ventilation and external respiration, while the circulatory system is responsible for transport and internal respiration. Pulmonary ventilation (breathing) represents movement of air into and out of the lungs. External respiration is represented by the O2 and CO2 exchange between the lungs and the blood.

Since human cells are primarily reliant on aerobic metabolism, it is of vital importance to efficiently obtain oxygen from the environment and bring it to the tissues while excreting the byproduct of cellular respiration (CO2). Respiration involves both the respiratory and circulatory systems. There are 4 processes that supply the body with O2 and dispose of CO2. The respiratory system is involved in pulmonary ventilation and external respiration, while the circulatory system is responsible for transport and internal respiration. Pulmonary ventilation (breathing) represents movement of air into and out of the lungs. External respiration, or gas exchange, is represented by the O2 and CO2 exchange between the lungs and the blood.