Diffusion and the Alveoli Flashcards
1
Q
where does diffusion take place?
A
in the alveoli, little air sacs
2
Q
what are the three factors that affect diffusion?
A
distance, concentration difference, surface area
3
Q
Fick’s law?
A
surface area * concentration difference / thickness of membrane
4
Q
what gas diffuses into the blood during gas exchange?
A
oxygen
5
Q
what gas diffuses out of the blood and is exhaled during gas exchange?
A
carbon dioxide
6
Q
adaptations of the alveoli
A
large surface area, good blood supply to maximise c.d, moist walls, thin walls to minimise distance
7
Q
why is it important to have a bigger concentration difference?
A
if there are lots of particles on one side, there are more there to move across to another side
