Gas Exchange

    Cards (21)

    • What is the thorax in humans?
      The human chest cavity
    • What are the components of the thorax?
      • Ribs
      • Intercostal muscles
      • Diaphragm
      • Trachea
      • Bronchi
      • Bronchioles
      • Alveoli
      • Pleural membranes
    • What is the primary function of the lungs?
      They serve as the gas exchange surface
    • What features do gas exchange surfaces share?
      • Large surface area for faster diffusion
      • Thin walls for short diffusion distances
      • Good ventilation to maintain diffusion gradients
      • Good blood supply for high concentration gradients
    • What is the role of the intercostal muscles?
      Facilitate breathing by moving the rib cage
    • How do external intercostal muscles assist in inhalation?
      They contract to pull the rib cage up
    • What happens to the diaphragm during inhalation?
      It contracts and flattens
    • What occurs during normal exhalation?
      The diaphragm relaxes and moves upwards
    • How does forced exhalation differ from normal exhalation?
      Internal intercostal muscles contract to aid exhalation
    • Why is there a need for forced exhalation during strenuous activity?
      To rid the body of excess carbon dioxide
    • What are the adaptations of alveoli for gas exchange?
      • Rounded shape for large surface area
      • Thin single layers of cells to minimize diffusion distance
      • High oxygen and low carbon dioxide levels maintained
      • Good blood supply for concentration gradients
      • Moisture layer to aid gas diffusion
    • What harmful effects does smoking have on the lungs?
      Linked to lung disease and coronary heart disease
    • What does nicotine do to blood vessels?
      It narrows blood vessels and increases heart rate
    • How does carbon monoxide affect hemoglobin?
      It binds irreversibly, reducing oxygen capacity
    • What is tar's role in lung disease?
      It is a carcinogen linked to cancer
    • What is chronic bronchitis?
      Inflammation leading to mucus build-up in bronchioles
    • How does emphysema develop?
      From frequent infections and breakdown of alveoli
    • What are the effects of exercise on breathing?
      • Increases breathing frequency
      • Provides more oxygen for respiration
      • Helps remove carbon dioxide
      • Elevated breathing rate post-exercise due to lactic acid
    • What is 'oxygen debt'?
      Oxygen needed to remove lactic acid post-exercise
    • What factors affect breathing rate during exercise?
      • Fitness level
      • Resting breathing rate
      • Recovery time after exercise
    • What is the CORMS evaluation in practical work?
      • Change: Exercise vs. no exercise
      • Organisms: Similar age, gender, size
      • Repeat: Multiple trials for reliability
      • Measurement: Breathing rate changes
      • Same: Control exercise type and conditions