Exchange in lungs Flashcards
Why is the volume of oxygen and CO2 that has to be absorbed and removed in mammals large?
- They are relatively large organisms with a large volume of living cells
- They maintain a high body temperature which is due to them having high metabolic and respiratory rates
What are lungs the site of?
Gas exchange
What is one reason that lungs are located in the body due to their structure?
Air is not dense enough to support and protect these delicate structures
What is another reason that lungs are located in the body due to the body’s needs?
The body as a whole would otherwise lose a great deal of water and dry out
How are lungs supported and protected?
By the ribcage
How can ribs be moved?
By the muscles between them
What are lungs ventilated by?
A tidal stream of air, ensuring that the air within them is constantly replenished
What kind of structures are lungs?
Lobed structures
What are lungs made up of?
A series of highly branched tubules, bronchioles, which end in tiny air sacs called alveoli
What is a trachea?
A flexible airway that is supported by rings of cartilage
What does the cartilage do for the trachea?
Prevents the trachea collapsing as the air pressure inside falls when breathing in
What are the tracheal walls made up of?
Muscle, lined with ciliated epithelium and goblet cells
What are the bronchi?
2 divisions of the trachea, each leading to one lung
How are bronchi similar in structure to the trachea (mucus)?
Also produce mucus to trap dirt particles and have cilia
What do the cilia do in the bronchi?
Move dirt-laden mucus towards the throat
