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Question 1

Describe and explain how the lungs are adapted to allow rapid exchange of oxygen between air in the alveoli and blood in the capillaries around them.

Answer 1

1 Many alveoli / alveoli walls folded provide a large surface area;2 Many capillaries provide a large surface area;3 (So) fast diffusion;________________________________________________4 Alveoli or capillary walls / epithelium / lining are thin / short distance between alveoli and blood;5 Flattened / squamous epithelium;6 (So) short diffusion distance / pathway;7 (So) fast diffusion;________________________________________________8 Ventilation / circulation;9 Maintains a diffusion / concentration gradient;10 (So) fast diffusion;