Breathing And Gas Exchange

Question 1

The gas exchange system

Answer 1

The human lungs provide an exchange surface adapted for:

absorbing oxygen – needed for respiration – into the blood from the air
transferring carbon dioxide – produced by respiration – from the blood into the lungs then the air
The lungs are organs enclosed within the chest or thorax. Air needs to be breathed in to be brought into contact with the exchange surfaces within the lungs. This process is called ventilation.

Question 2

Alveoli

Answer 2

Alveoli are an important part of the respiratory system whose function it is to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules to and from the bloodstream. These tiny, balloon-shaped air sacs sit at the very end of the respiratory tree and are arranged in clusters throughout the lungs.