3.1.1 exchange surfaces Flashcards
why don’t unicellular organisms need specialised exchange surfaces
substances can diffuse across a short diffusion pathway straight into the cell
why do multicellular organisms need specialised exchange surfaces
they have a lower SA:V ratio as they are bigger, so need a specialised system for efficient exchange
what are the features needed for efficient gas exchange
large SA
thin wall for short diffusion pathway
good blood/gas supply to maintain steep conc. gradient
what is fick’s law
(large SA x steep conc. gradient)/short diffusion distance
what are the features of the mammalian gas exchange system
trachea
bronchi
bronchioles
alveoli
lungs
ribs
intercostal muscles
diaphragm
what does cartilage do
prevents collapse of the trachea, bronchi and lungs during exhalation
what is the trachea and it’s function
the ‘windpipe’
made of incomplete rings of cartilage
what are the bronchi
extensions of the trachea
narrower and lined with loose tissue and elastic fibres
what are the bronchioles
narrower than bronchi
made of smooth tissue
what are the alveoli
small air sacs with walls of squamous epithelium
site of ventilation
what do the ribs do
protect lungs
what do the intercostal muscles do
contract and relax to raise or lower the ribcage
what are the lungs used in
inspiration and expiration
what does the diaphragm do
contracts and relaxes
separates lungs from abdomen
what does ciliated epithelium do
moves mucus along