Gas Exchange In Humans Flashcards
What does air enter as you breathe in?
The trachea
What does the trachea split into? Where do these lead to?
2 bronchi, one bronchus leading to each lung.
What do bronchi branch off into?
Bronchioles - smaller tubes
What do Bronchioles end in?
Air sacs called alveoli
Where does gas exchange occur in humans?
At the alveoli
Where are the intercostal muscles found?
Between the ribs.
What are the 2 types of intercostal muscles?
Internal and external intercostal muscles
How is a large surface area achieved for efficient gas exchange in mammals?
Highly branched bronchioles leading to alveoli
Now is air moved across the exchange surface in mammals?
Tidal flow - flows in opposite directions in and out
How is the required gas delivered to respiring cells?
Red blood cells in blood vessels
What lines the alveoli?
A single layer of flattened epithelial cells and a network of pulmonary capillaries
What are the capillaries surrounding the alveoli lined with?
A single layer of endothelial cells
How thick are the capillaries surrounding the alveoli?
Very thin-one cell thick
Why is it beneficial for the capillaries to be narrow as the red blood cells pass through?
The capillaries are narrow so that red blood are flattened and squeezed through. This slows them down and increases surface area for diffusion.
Where are squamous epithelia found?
On the outer layer of the alveoli, lining the cheeks, inside blood vessels, lining the chambers of the heart
What are the adaptations of squamous epithelia?
Smooth, flat, very thin, packed closely together, single layer of flattened cells
Why are squamous epithelia important?
The layer of cells forms a thin cross-section which reduces the distance that substances have to move to pass through - it shortens the diffusion pathway
It is permeable, allowing for the easy diffusion of gases
Why is it important that the surface of the squamous epithelia is a low friction surface?
Low friction decreases the chance of clots forming
What 5 factors increase the rate of diffusion in mammals?
- The RBC’s are slowed as they pass through the pulmonary capillaries
- The RBC’s are flattened against the capillary walls
- The walls of capillaries and alveoli are very thin
- Alveoli have folds and there are many capillaries
- ventilation and circulation
Why does the slowing down of RBC’s as they pass through capillaries increase the rate of diffusion?
More time for efficient exchange of oxygen.