alveoli Flashcards
why are there large numbers of alveoli in the bronchioles?
this increases the total surface area for quick diffusion of gases from/to the blood caplillaries
why is the alveoli/blood capillary wall one cell thick?
the short distance allows for quick diffusion of gases between alveoli and blood capillaries so gaseous exchange occurs at a faster rate
why is there a thin layer of moisture on the surface of the alveoli?
this allows gases like oxygen to dissolve and easily diffuse into the blood in the capillaries, ensuring a faster rate of gaseous exchange
why must there be a maintenance of a steep concentration gradient between alveoli and capillaries?
to ensure a constant flow of blood in capillaries help to keep the concentration of oxygen low and carbon dioxide high in capillaries, constant breathing helps to keep the concentration of oxygen high and carbon dioxide low in the alveoli space
