1.1 Explain the structure and function of the respiratory system

Student Name 

Diploma Title 

Access to HE Health Professionals

Subject Group:  

Unit title: 

Respiration and Circulation

Unit Code: 

WNI080

Unit Status  

Graded 

Credit Value

3 Credits 

Assessor Name: 

Assignment Number (if applicable)

Assignment Title

Presentation and Essay

Date set:  

 11/11/24

Submission Date and Time: 

 3/1/24

Draft permitted (Y/N)/deadline  

 No

Method of Submission 

 Powerpoint file into Turnitin (no other apps)

Date Submitted: 

Approved Late Submission Date 

I confirm that the submitted assignment is my own work (if submitted as a group project, those sections relating to my contribution are clearly identified and represent my own work). Where appropriate, I have acknowledged / referenced all public sources of information, including AI-generated information, in accordance with the requirements of accepted academic conventions (as identified within the Centre policy on academic referencing)

Signature of student:

Date of submission:

Learning Outcome 

Assessment criteria applied to this assignment* 

 1. Understand the process of external respiration (ventilation) and gas exchange.

1.1 Explain the structure and function of the respiratory system.

1.2 Analyse the mechanisms of ventilation (breathing).

1.3 Explain gaseous exchange in the alveoli and tissues, relating structure to function.    

 2.Understand the structure and function of the cardiovascular system.

2.1 Explain the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels.

2.2 Explain the cardiac cycle.

2.3 Explain the pulmonary and systemic circulation.       

 3.Discuss the homeostatic mechanisms controlling respiration and circulation.

3.1 Explain the feedback mechanisms that control ventilation and circulation to include the pacemaker of the heart.                    

Grading Standards

To achieve a Merit:

The student’s work or performance

To achieve a Distinction:

The student’s work or performance

Grading standard 1

Knowledge and Understanding

a. generally demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge appropriately in a given context showing breadth OR depth of knowledge in responding to the demands of the unit, with

b. a very good understanding and use of

• facts
• concepts

a. consistently demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge appropriately in a given context showing breadth OR depth of knowledge in responding to the demands of the unit, with

b. an excellent understanding and use of

• facts
• concepts

Grading standard 2

Subject Specific Skills

a. generally demonstrates an ability in selecting and using skills as required by the unit,

with

b. very good levels of:

• accuracy
• creativity

a. consistently demonstrates an ability in selecting and using skills as required by the unit,

with

b. excellent levels of:

• accuracy
• creativity

Grading Standard 3

Transferable Skills

a. demonstrates very good communication and/or presentation skills evidenced by the use and/or selection of:

• format
• structure
• spelling and punctuation
• imagery

c. generally adheres to academic conventions in use of specialist language and format in responding to the instructions set out in the assignment brief

a. demonstrates excellent communication and/or presentation skills evidenced by the use and/or selection of:

• format
• structure
• spelling and punctuation
• imagery

c. consistently adheres to academic conventions in use of specialist language and format in responding to the instructions set out in the assignment brief

Assignment Task Description (mapped to assessment criteria)

Assessment     criteria

1. Prepare and present a PowerPoint presentation about the respiratory system and the cardiovascular system.

Slides must have a balance between text and images. The following content should be covered in the slides:

a) An explanation of the structure and function of the respiratory system ensuring there is reference to the following:

• Nasal cavity
• Oral cavity
• Pharynx
• Larynx
• Trachea
• Bronchus
• Left and right lung (pleural membrane, thoracic cavity, visceral pleura, and pleural fluid)
• Bronchiole
• Alveoli
• Intercostal muscles (internal and external)
• Diaphragm

b) An analysis of the mechanisms of ventilation at rest and during exercise with reference to the role of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, and analysis of lung volumes including tidal volume, vital capacity and residual volume.

a) An explanation of the gaseous exchange in the alveoli and tissues, relating structure to function.

b) An explanation of the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels including the different components of the heart (right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle, atrioventricular valves, and the semi lunar valves) and the relevant blood vessels (arteries, capillaries, and the veins).

c) Characteristics of the blood vessels that allows them to perform their function in terms of different layers (tunica intima, tunica media and tunica externa) must be explained and linked to the pressure difference in the vessels.

d) An explanation of the events of the cardiac cycle

e) An explanation of double circulation through pulmonary and systemic circulation

It is advisory that the PowerPoint presentation is no longer than 10 minutes.

The slides must be referenced using credible academic sources.

Notes to accompany the slides must also be submitted.

**Centres are to add details as to how the Presentation will be recorded so that it is accessible for internal and external moderation*

1.1

1.2

1.3

2.1

2.2

2.3

1. Write an essay for the following title – “Explain the role of negative feedback in controlling ventilation and circulation.”

The essay must include:

• Inhibition and activation of the inspiratory and expiratory centres
• Activation and deactivation of stretch receptors
• Contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles 
• Detection by the baroreceptors or chemoreceptors
• Activation of the sympathetic or parasympathetic neurons by the medulla oblongata
• Activation of the sinoatrial node (pacemaker), atrioventricular node, Bundle of His, and Purkinje fibres. 

The advisory word count for the essay section only is ~500 words.  A reference list must be included.

Add the essay as another two or three slides onto the Powerpoint file, do NOT create a separate Word doc.

Academic malpractice, such as buying an assignment or plagiarism, will result in disciplinary procedures.

3.1