Exchange surfaces Flashcards
what are the features of effective exchange surfaces
increased surface area
thin layers
good blood supply
ventilation to maintain diffusion gradient
how are alveoli adapted for gas exchange
- large SA
-barrier is cell membrane of squamous epithelia, they are permeable to gasses, moisture - low diffusion gradient as squamous epithelia are thin and flat
-steep diffusion gradient maintained: blood flow brings more CO2 from tissues
what happens during inspiration
intercostal muscles contract
ribs are pulled upwards and outwards
diaphragm contracts and flattens
- increased volume in thorax
- reduced air pressure
air is forced into lungs
what happens during expiration
the intercostal muscles relax
ribs move downwards and inwards
diaphragm relaxes and moves up
- decreased volume of the thorax
-increased air pressure
air forced out of lungs
what are the structures within trachea
- has c-shaped rings of cartilage for support and to ensure the trachea does not collapse
- has goblet cells to release mucus to trap dust and pathogens which is then swept up by the ciliated epithelial cells
- there is smooth muscle within the tracheal wall, which contracts if there are harmful substance detected in the air, this reduces air flow
- there are also elastic fibres, this enables the lumen to dilate when the smooth muscle relax
How does having a large surface area aid exchange surfaces?
Allows more substances to travel across at a time, increasing exchange rate
How does being thin aid exchange surfaces?
Allows substances to travel across them more quickly, increasing exchange rate
How does having a good blood supply aid exchange surfaces?
Allows optimal concentration gradient to be maintained by bringing/taking away substances quickly
How does having good ventilation aid exchange surfaces?
Allows a steep concentration gradient to be maintained
What are the walls of alveoli made up of?
Squamous epithelial cells, some collagen and elastic fibres made from elastin
What is the purpose of the elastic tissues in alveoli?
They allow the alveoli to stretch when air enters, and recoil in order to help force air out
what are two methods of measuring volume of gas drawn in and out of lungs
1- peak flow meter
2- a spirometer
define tidal volume
it is the volume of air that moves into and out of the lungs with each resting breath
define vital capacity
Maximum volume of air that can be inhaled and exhaled
why does a spirometer contain sodalime
to absorb the CO2 from the users air supply