Alveoli Adaption Flashcards
1
Q
How is the alveoli adapted for short diffusion pathway
A
Epithelial of alveolus only one cell layer thick
Capillary endothelium only one cell layer thick
The red blood cell is flattened to the walls of the lumen of capillaries
2
Q
How is surface area increases
A
Large amount of alveoli and large network of bold capillaries do maximum exchange of gasses
3
Q
How is the ventilation maintained
A
Air is constantly breathed in and out which increases the volume of air brought into the lungs which increases the rate of gases exchange
Blood constantly flowing removing rich oxygenated and bringing deoxygenated blood due to pumping of the heart
4
Q
How else is exchange effective
A
The red blood cells are slowed as they pass the alveoli to maximise time for diffusion
