Gaseous Exchange

• Breathing: The mechanical process whereby air moves in and out of the lungs
• Gaseous exchange: The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide across a gaseous exchange surface
• Cellular Respiration: The gradual release of energy from organic compounds in the presence of oxygen
• The main function of the respiratory system is to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere and make it available to cells for respiration.
• Carbon dioxide is released by the cells during respiration and must continually be removed through gaseous exchange
• The increased CO2 concentration in the body can dangerously lower the pH of bodily fluids