My OpenLearn Profile
Personalise your OpenLearn profile, save your favourite content and get recognition for your learning
Blood and the respiratory system
‘Don’t hold your breath’ is an expression you’ve probably
heard many times, but may not have thought too much about. In this free course, Blood and the respiratory system, you’ll study why respiration is so important for life, including how air enters
and leaves the lungs, how oxygen is transported in the blood, the many dynamic
factors that control breathing, and some diseases that affect respiration.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
- describe and illustrate the main anatomical structures of the respiratory system and the mechanics of inspiration and expiration
- discuss the factors that affect pulmonary ventilation
- outline the mechanisms of O2 and CO2 transport in the blood
- describe diseases resulting from mutations in haemoglobin
- demonstrate an understanding of the control of the respiration rate.
First Published: 10/01/2019
Updated: 24/11/2024
Rate and Review
Create an account to get more
Track your progress
Review and track your learning through your OpenLearn Profile.
Statement of Participation
On completion of a course you will earn a Statement of Participation.
Access all course activities
Take course quizzes and access all learning.
Review the course
When you have finished a course leave a review and tell others what you think.