Diffusion Through Cell Membranes Flashcards
Where does gas exchange happen?
In the lungs.
What is the job of the lungs?
To transfer oxygen to the blood and to remove waste carbon dioxide from it.
What does the lung contain millions of?
Alveoli.
What are the alveoli specialised to do?
They are specialised to maximise the diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Name 4 things the alveoli has in order to maximise diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide?
- Enormous surface area.
- A moist lining for dissolving gases.
- Very thin walls
- A good blood supply.
What does the villi provide?
A really big surface area.
What is the inside of the small intestine covered in?
Millions of tiny villi.
What do the villi increase in the small intestine?
They increase the surface area.
What adaptions do the villi have?
The villi has only a single layer of surface cells and a very good blood supply to assist quick absorption.
What process’s are used for the digested food to move into the blood?
The digested food moves back into the blood by diffusion and active transport.
What happens at the alveoli?
Gas exchange.
Why is increasing the surface area of the small intestine a good thing?
It means digested food is absorbed more quickly into the blood.
