3.1.1 Exchange surfaces Flashcards
Name two substances that are absorbed across an exchange surface.
Oxygen and glucose
Do multicellular organisms have a large or small surface area to volume ratio?
Small
What are three adaptations of the alveoli for efficient gas exchange?
- Walls are one cell thick, to create short diffusion distance
- Good blood supply, which maintains a steep concentration gradient
- Many alveoli which are very small, creating a large surface area
Name the process by which oxygen passes from the alveolus in the lungs and into the blood.
(Simple) diffusion
Name the flap under which you find the gills.
Operculum
What are three adaptations in the gills for efficient gas exchange?
- Many folds called lamellae, creating a large surface area
- Walls of gill filaments are one cell thick, creating a short diffusion distance
- Counter-current flow between water and blood in capillaries creates a steep concentration gradient
What are four common features of an efficient exchange surface?
Large surface area
Short diffusion distance
Good blood supply
Ventilation mechanism
What is the purpose of cartilage in the trachea?
Keeps airways open
Prevents trachea from collapsing when you breathe in and pressure drops
In which tissues in the mammalian gas exchange system is the ciliated epithelium found?
- Trachea
- Bronchi
What is the purpose of mucus in the trachea and bronchi?
Traps pathogens
What is the purpose of cilia in the trachea and bronchi?
Wafts mucus up and out of the airway
In which tissues in the mammalian gas exchange system is smooth muscle found?
- Bronchi
- Bronchioles
In which tissues in the mammalian gas exchange system are elastic tissues found?
In ALL lung tissues
(Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli)
What is the function of smooth muscle in the bronchi and bronchioles?
Dilates to increase air flow
Constricts to reduce air flow
What is the purpose of elastic fibres in the mammalian gas exchange system?
Fibres recoli to help push air out when exhaling
What shape are the rings of cartilage in the trachea?
C-shaped rings
What happens to the internal and external intercostal muscles during inspiration (inhalation)?
- External intercostal muscles contract
- Internal intercostal muscles relax
What happens to the internal and external intercostal muscles during expiration (exhalation)?
- External intercostal muscles relax
- Internal intercostal muscles relax during passive expiration (but contact during forced expiration)