LAB 7 :

HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY

INTRODUCTION
Physiology is the study of normal function within living creatures. It is a sub-section of
biology, covering a range of topics that include organs, anatomy, cells, biological
compounds, and how they all interact to make life possible.
In this experiment, we will examine our blood pressure using the blood pressure sensor
provide to us in the laboratory. We will compare blood pressure taken before and after
exposure to cold. The cold stimulus activates the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in
hemodynamic changes that prepare the body for a “fight or flight” response. The sensitivity
of blood pressure to harmful external or internal injuries makes it useful as a vital sign, an
indicator of health, disease, excitement and stress.
We will also examine our respiratory volumes using spirometer provided. The total capacity
of lungs is divided into various volumes and capacities according to the function of these in
the intake or exhalation of air. The total amount of air one’s lung can possible hold can be
subdivided into for volumes.

OBJECTIVE
1. To learn how to use blood pressure sensor
2. To learn how to use spirometer

MATERIAL
Blood pressure sensor
Cold water
Spirometer
METHODS
A. Blood pressure as a vital sign
1. The subject have to sat quietly on chair with his or her forearm resting on a table surface
(worked in a group but all individual would have to go under this procedure). It was
advisable that the person who was been tested to remain calm and static.
2. The blood pressure was checked and the heart rate stated in Blood Pressure sensor and
wrote it down in a table.
3. Supine (laying on your back) checked blood pressure and heart rate and wrote it down in a
table.
4. Two person in your group climbed up and down the stairs for three times in five minutes
The blood pressure was took and heart rate immediately, and every 1 minute up to 5 minutes
and wrote it down in a table.
5. Two person in your group placed their hand (the one to which the blood pressure sensor
cuff is not attached) into a large container filled with ice water. BP and HR were recorded
Every 30 second for 3 minutes.

B. Human respiratory volume

1. Tidal volume (TV)
a. The spirometer dial was set at xero (0). A normal inspiration was taken, placed your
mouth over the mouth-piece, and exhale a normal expiration into the spirometer. You would
have to make a conscious effort not to exceed your normal value.
b. The amount exhale on the dial was read.
c. have your lab partner count your respiratory rate per minute by counting your respiratory
cycles for 1 minute while you were seated rest.
d. Multiply your tidal volume by your respiratory rate per minute to gave your resting
respiratory minute volume.

2. Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)

a. The spirometer dial was set at xero (0)
b. After a normal expiration, Placed your mouth over the mouth-piece and forcefully
exhale as much air as possible into the spirometer.
3. Vital Capacity (VC)
a. The spirometer dial was set at xero (0)
b. Inhaled as deeply as possible, place your mouth over the mouth-piece, hold your nose
and exhaled into the spirometer with a maximal effort.
c. The measurement was repeated 3 times and the largest volume was recorded.

4. Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) and Inspiration Capacity (IC)

a. the IRV and IC from 3 times previous volume measurements were calculated.

RESULT
A. Blood Pressure as a vital sign
Systolic Pressure Diastolic Mean arterial Heart rate
(mmHg) Pressure (mmHg) pressure (beats/min)
(mmHg)
Sitting on chair 93 64 MAP = 2D + S 84
3
= 2(64) + 93
3
= 73.67
Supine (laying 112 69 MAP = 2D + S 79
on back) 3
= 2(69) + 112
3
= 83.33

Table 1 . Blood pressure and heart rate readings.

 Systolic Diastolic Mean arterial Heart rate
Pressure Pressure pressure (beats/min)
(mmHg) (mmHg) (mmHg)
Min 1 103 51 MAP = 2D + S 89
3
= 2(51) + 103
3
= 68.33
Min 2 105 60 MAP = 2D + S 88
3
= 2(60) + 105
3
= 75
Min 3 116 70 MAP = 2D + S 91
3
= 2(70) + 116
3
= 85.33
Min 4 104 72 MAP = 2D + S 86
3
= 2(72) + 104
3
= 82.67
Min 5 105 70 MAP = 2D + S 89
3
= 2(70) + 105
3
= 81.67

Table 2 . Blood pressure and heart rate readings response to climb up and down stairs.
 Systolic Diastolic Mean arterial Heart rate
Pressure Pressure pressure (beats/min)
(mmHg) (mmHg) (mmHg)
30 second 108 66 MAP = 2D + S 81
3
= 2(66) + 108
3
= 80
60 second 114 66 MAP = 2D + S 79
3
= 2(66) + 114
3
= 82
90 second 108 63 MAP = 2D + S 81
3
= 2(63) + 108
3
= 78
120 second 109 66 MAP = 2D + S 76
3
= 2(66) + 109
3
= 80.33
150 second 108 61 MAP = 2D + S 82
3
= 2(61) + 108
3
= 76.67
180 second 107 61 MAP = 2D + S 76
3
= 2(61) + 107
3
= 76.33

Table 3. Blood pressure and heart rate readings response to cold water
DISCUSSION
Changes in blood pressure are routinely made in order to direct appropriate amounts of
oxygen and nutrients to specific parts of the body. For example, when exercise demands
additional supplies of oxygen to skeletal muscles, blood delivery to these muscles increases,
while blood delivery to the digestive organs decreases. Adjustments in blood pressure are
also required when forces are applied to your body, such as when starting or stopping in an
elevator.

Blood pressure can be adjusted by producing changes in the following variables:

 Cardiac output can be altered by changing stroke volume or heart rate.

 Resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels is most often altered by changing the
diameter of the vessels (vasodilation or vasoconstriction). Changes in blood viscosity
(its ability to flow) or in the length of the blood vessels (which increases with weight
gain) can also alter resistance to blood flow.

A spirometer is the standard equipment used to measure the capacity of the human lungs.
There are several versions of this laboratory apparatus available, but all consist of a chamber
(of capacity approximately 6 dm3) suspended freely over water and counterbalanced so that
gas passed in or drawn out makes the chamber rise or fall. Students are aware of the
apparatus and how it works.
Disinfect the mouthpiece after each person has used it. Use a fresh solution of Milton and
disinfect for 30 minutes, then rinse in water. Milton leaves no unpleasant aftertaste. If you
need to disinfect more quickly, ethanol will disinfect in 5 minutes, but leaves an unpleasant
taste. It is best to have several clean mouthpieces available during each lesson, or use
disposal mouthpieces where possible. At the end of each lesson, disinfect the T-piece and the
internal surfaces of the corrugated tubes connecting the T-piece to the spirometer. (Hang
these up to drain first.) Ethanol is preferable for this as it will evaporate more readily from the
tubing crevices.

CONCLUSION
In this experiment, students should use a spirometer and blood pressure sensor only under the
direct supervision of a teacher. Never carry out an investigation on a human subject if you are
not being supervised.

REFERENCES
https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/anatomy-and-physiology/the-cardiovascular-
system/control-of-blood-pressure
http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/practical-biology/using-spirometer-investigate-human-lung-
function
 LAB REFLECTION

Through this experiment, I learnt how to used blood pressure sensor and
spirometer. In blood pressure experiment, I have a chance to do some activities
like running, etc and checked my blood pressure, heart rate. From that, I can
calculate the martial arterial pressure (MAP).
For spirometer experiment, I learnt many things. I learnt how to used the
spirometer in correct way. I’ve never touch, hold and used that thing before.
This is my first time, so this is my first experience. It is quite interesting and
funny sometimes because we exhaled so hard and do over and over again. After
I have my all records, I look at the predicted vital capacity and can discuss why
I’m not reached the prediction and what I should do.