6.6 - Human Gas Exchange System Flashcards
An introduction to the gas exchange system The structure and function of the ciliated epithelium The structure and adaptations of the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles The structure and adaptations of the alveoli
What does the human gas exchange system consist of?
Lungs and air passages
What is the function of the gas exchange system?
Allows oxygen to enter and carbon dioxide to leave the blood
Where are the lungs located?
Thoracic cavity
Why is the gas exchange system located inside the body?
Air is not dense enough
What is the pathway of air through the respiratory system?
Trachea
What tissue is located throughout most of the airways?
Ciliated epithelium
What cells does the ciliated epithelium contain?
Goblet cells and ciliated epithelial cells
What do goblet cells do?
Produce mucus
What do cilia on epithelial cells do?
Waft mucus upward
What are the adaptations of the trachea?
Cartilage rings
What are the adaptations of the bronchi?
Cartilage
What are the adaptations of the bronchioles?
No cartilage
What are alveoli?
Tiny air sacs at the end of bronchioles
What surrounds alveoli?
Capillaries
How does gas exchange occur in alveoli?
Oxygen diffuses into blood
What are the adaptations of alveoli for gas exchange?
Squamous epithelial cells
What are the pulmonary blood vessels?
Pulmonary artery
What does the pulmonary artery do?
Delivers deoxygenated blood to capillaries
What does the pulmonary vein do?
Delivers oxygenated blood to heart
What do pulmonary capillaries do?
Gas exchange
What are the adaptations of pulmonary capillaries for gas exchange?
Thin walls
