ABSTRACT
The human body’s transport and exchange systems are vital for survival, constantly supplying oxygen and nutrients to, and removing waste products from, the body’s cells. The respiratory system functions to move air into the lungs, from where oxygen diffuses into the blood. The cardiovascular system then transports oxygen in the blood, alongside nutrients from the digestive system, to fuel all cells of the body. Simultaneous to the loss of oxygen and nutrients from the blood, carbon dioxide and other waste products move into the blood for removal. This chapter outlines the anatomy and physiology and the functional measurement of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Finally, the responses of these systems to the acute stress of exercise are discussed.
