3.1.1: Mammalian Gas Exchange Flashcards
What are the two tubes that the trachea splits into?
Bronchi
The bronchi connect to the right and left lung.
What is the function of cartilage in the bronchi and bronchioles?
Structural support and keeping the tubes open
Cartilage is present within the walls of both bronchi and bronchioles.
Where are alveoli located?
At the end of the bronchioles
Alveoli are the site of gas exchange.
What gas diffuses from the alveoli into the blood?
Oxygen
What gas diffuses from the blood into the alveoli?
Carbon dioxide
How many alveoli are there in each human lung?
300 million
What is the significance of having a large number of alveoli?
Provides a large surface area for gas exchange
This facilitates efficient diffusion.
What type of cells make up the walls of the alveoli?
Squamous epithelial cells
What surrounds each alveolus to remove exchanged gases?
A network of capillaries
What is the role of ventilation in the respiratory system?
Mechanism of breathing that maintains concentration gradient for gas exchange
Involves diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
What happens to the diaphragm during inspiration?
Contracts and flattens
What is the effect of external intercostal muscles during inspiration?
Contract
What occurs to the ribs during inspiration?
Pulled upwards and outwards
What happens to the volume of the thorax during expiration?
Decreases
What happens to the air pressure inside the thorax during expiration?
Increases
Fill in the blank: The process of _______ results in air flowing into the lungs.
Inspiration
True or False: The internal intercostal muscles relax during expiration.
False
They contract during expiration.
What causes air to flow out of the lungs during expiration?
Increase in air pressure within the thorax
