Structure of Human Gas Exchange

• What is the main function of the human gas exchange system?

  To facilitate the exchange of gases
• What are the white structures and holes in the human lungs?

  They are bronchi and alveoli
• Why is there a need for less cartilage in the bronchi?

  To allow flexibility and movement
• Why are more cilia and goblet cells needed in the bronchi?

  To trap and clear mucus and debris
• What do the bronchi branch into?

  Bronchioles
• Why is it necessary to regulate airflow into and out of the alveoli?

  To optimize gas exchange efficiency
• What do the bronchioles branch into?

  Alveoli
• What is the function of the muscle in the bronchioles?

  To constrict and relax for airflow regulation
• Why is elasticated collagen important in the alveoli?

  It allows alveoli to expand and contract
• How many air sacs are in the alveoli?

  100-300 million
• What is the membrane of the alveoli used for?

  It serves as the gas exchange surface
• What is produced from the reaction of glucose and oxygen?

  Carbon dioxide and water
• Why do mammals have large volumes of gases?

  Due to high metabolism and respiration rates
• How is the demand for gas exchange met in mammals?

  By evolving specialized lungs
• Why are lungs located internally?

  To protect delicate structures from damage
• What would happen if lungs were not supported?

  They would collapse under pressure
• What is the problem with losing too much water in the lungs?

  It would reduce gas exchange efficiency
• What supports and protects the lungs?

  The rib cage
• What does being highly branched in the lungs achieve?

  It increases surface area for gas exchange
• What is the main tube that enters the lungs?

  The trachea
• Why is the trachea strengthened with cartilage?

  To prevent collapsing during low pressure
• What lines the walls of the trachea?

  Ciliated epithelial cells
• What does the trachea branch into?

  Bronchi