In what direction does oxygen move during gaseous exchange?
From alveoli to blood
The thin walls of the alveoli facilitate rapid diffusion of gases
How thick are the walls of the alveoli?
One cell thick
What drives the diffusion of oxygen in the alveoli?
Concentration gradient
What drives the diffusion of carbon dioxide in the alveoli?
Concentration gradient
What is the process of gaseous exchange?
Oxygen absorption, carbon dioxide expulsion
The alveoli have a dense network of blood capillaries.
True
In what direction does carbon dioxide move during gaseous exchange?
From blood to alveoli
Millions of alveoli in each lung provide a large surface area for gas exchange.
True
Match the feature of the alveoli with its function:
Large Surface Area ↔️ Increases the area available for gas exchange
Thin Walls ↔️ Facilitates rapid diffusion of gases
Capillary Network ↔️ Brings blood close to alveolar air
Oxygen diffuses from an area of high concentration in the alveoli to low concentration in the blood capillaries.
True
Carbon dioxide diffuses from the high concentration in the blood to the low concentration in the alveoli.
True
The thin walls of the alveoli and capillaries, along with the large surface area, facilitate the rapid exchange of gases to meet the body's oxygen needs
What is the primary function of the large surface area provided by the alveoli?
Increases gas exchange
Match the alveolar feature with its description:
Large Surface Area ↔️ Millions of alveoli in each lung
Thin Walls ↔️ Alveolar walls are one cell thick
Capillary Network ↔️ Surrounds each alveolus
In the process of oxygen diffusion, oxygen moves from an area of high concentration in the alveoli
What is the concentration gradient for carbon dioxide during its diffusion in the alveoli?
High in blood, low in alveoli
Match the function of the respiratory membrane with its description:
Facilitates Gas Exchange ↔️ Thin walls allow rapid diffusion
Prevents Fluid Leakage ↔️ Maintains separation between air and blood
How does a larger surface area of the alveoli affect gaseous exchange efficiency?
Improves gas diffusion
Steps of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange in the alveoli
1️⃣ Oxygen diffuses from alveoli to capillaries
2️⃣ Carbon dioxide diffuses from capillaries to alveoli
What happens to carbon dioxide in the alveoli during respiration?
It diffuses into the blood
The alveoli are the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gaseous exchange takes place.
True
The alveolar walls are only one cell thick to facilitate rapid diffusion of gases
What drives the movement of oxygen from the alveoli into the blood capillaries?
Concentration gradient
The large surface area and thin walls of the alveoli are essential for efficient oxygen diffusion.
True
Carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood capillaries into the alveoli to be expelled during exhalation
The dense capillary network around the alveoli enhances gas exchange efficiency.
True
Steeper concentration gradients for oxygen and carbon dioxide drive faster diffusion
The factors affecting gaseous exchange efficiency work together to ensure physiological needs are met.