Expert: Walter Hintz - 2/17/2008

Question
hi
how is digestion and respiration linked together?
i have tried looking on wikipedia and other websites but i cant seem to find anything...
so i was just wondering if you may please help me
thank you for your time
Amy Owen xXx

Answer
Hi Amy:
 There are two interpretations about respiration.  One involves the exchange of the gasses O2 and CO2 in the lungs.  This is pulmonary respiration and is only related to cellular; respiration through delivery of O2 to the cells.  
 When food is taken in it must be reduced to its basic units before it can enter the blood stream. (amino acids,glucose,and fatty acids and glycerol) These components are then oxidized at the cellular level . This is cellular respiration.
 Any questions? Let me know.