2.2 The Movement and Exchange of Gases in The Human Body Flashcards
What is the definition of gas exchange?
Oxygen and carbon dioxide gas exchange occurs in the alveoli in the lungs and is transported using red blood cells to all cells of the body.
Where does oxygen enter the blood?
Oxygen enters the alveoli in the lungs.
How is oxygen transported in the blood?
Oxygen binds to hemoglobin, forming oxyhemoglobin.
How do body cells get oxygen?
Oxyhemoglobin releases oxygen to body cells.
How is carbon dioxide removed?
CO₂ from cells is carried back to the lungs for exhalation.
Why does oxygen diffuse into the blood?
The high oxygen content in the alveoli causes oxygen to diffuse into blood capillaries.
How is oxygen transported in the blood?
Oxygen combines with hemoglobin to form oxyhemoglobin, which is an unstable compound.
Where does oxyhemoglobin go?
It travels in red blood cells to body cells, releasing oxygen as oxyhemoglobin is unstable and will decompose.
What happens to oxygen in body cells?
Oxygen is used for cellular respiration to produce energy and CO₂.
How is carbon dioxide removed?
CO₂ diffuses into capillaries and is transported to the lungs for elimination.
Why are alveolar walls so thin?
They are one cell thick to allow fast gas exchange.
How does moisture help in gas exchange?
A thin moist layer helps gases dissolve and diffuse easily.
Why are alveoli surrounded by capillaries?
To maintain a concentration gradient for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.
What happens when blood enters the alveolar capillaries?
Blood with low oxygen and high CO₂ enters, and gas exchange occurs.
What happens when blood leaves the alveolar capillaries?
Blood becomes oxygen-rich and releases CO₂ to be removed during exhalation.
Why do alveoli have a large surface area?
To increase oxygen intake and maximize gas exchange.
How does moisture help in alveolar gas exchange?
It allows gases to dissolve and permeate easily.
Why are alveolar walls only one cell thick?
To enable quick and efficient gas diffusion.
How do blood capillaries help alveoli?
They surround the alveoli for rapid gas transport.
