Gas excahnge! Flashcards
What is gas exchange?
Gas exchange is the movement of gases into and out of organisms, where oxygen in the alveoli enters the blood and carbon dioxide from the blood moves to the lungs to be exhaled.
How does blood flowing from the heart enter the capillaries and why?
The blood flowing from the heart to the capillaries delivers oxygen to organs for respiration, producing carbon dioxide. As a result, it enters the capillaries deoxygenated, with low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels.
Describe the air inside air sacs.
The air inside the air sacs comes from outside the body, where it contains a high level of oxygen and a low level of carbon dioxide. ie; it is oxygenated
Describe how the air in the alveoli is close to the blood.
The air in the alveoli is separated from the blood by just two thin cell layers. Oxygen, as a gas, moves freely and easily passes through these thin walls into the bloodstream.
What is diffusion?
Diffusion is the random movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
How do oxygen particles move from the air into the blood during gas exchange?
Oxygen particles move from a high concentration(in the air)to a lower concentration(in the blood).
What happens to oxygen when it gets into the blood?
When oxygen gets into the blood, it dissolves, going into the red blood cells where it combines with haemoglobin.
Why does carbon dioxide diffuse from the capillaries into the air in the alveoli?
Carbon dioxide diffuses into the air in the alveoli, as there is a high concentration of it in the capillary, but a low concentration in the air.
