The Cardiorespiratory System
The Cardiorespiratory System is composed of two parts: the Cardiovascular System and the Respiratory System. Together, these two critical systems work in unison to provide the body with oxygen and nutrients and remove waste products such as CO2 from the body's cells. The respiratory system consists of the lungs and airway passages, which function by drawing in oxygen (O2) and releasing carbon dioxide (CO2). The cardiovascular system carries these products and nutrients through the body by means of blood, which flows through blood vessels and is pumped by the heart.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Your cardiorespiratory fitness is defined by your heart and lungs' ability to devliver nutrients and oxygen to the cells of your body. At the same time, it is measured by its capacity to remove metabollic wastes, such as CO2. Thus, cardiorespiratory fitness has a vital role in sustaining continuous activity as well as prevention of a number of heart diseases, which has become a leading cause of preventable death in North America. Regular exercise promotes the development of arteries and capillaries towards your skeletal muscles and increases the efficiency of of your heart and lungs so that more oxygen is taken in and more blood is pumped in each stroke cycle.
Cardiorespiratory Endurance
Cardiorespiratory endurance draws from both your cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular endurance and reflects how long you can sustain physical activity. Further discussion on training your cardiorespiratory system is found here.
Related Pages:
Respiratory System -Learn about your lungs and the science behind breathing.
Cardiovascular System -Learn about your heart and how blood is distributed throughout your body.
Cardiovascular Functions -Learn about how the cardiovascular system operates. Topics on blood pressure, heart rate, hemoglobin and more.
