Gas Exchange in the lungs Flashcards
where does gas exchange occur in the lungs?
alveoli
whats the alveoli surrounded by which help gas exchange?
network of capillaries which are vital for gas exchange
what process moves the gases in the lungs?
diffusion
where does oxygen diffuse from and to?
from air in alveoli to the blood
where does carbon dioxide diffuse from & to?
from the blood to the air in the alveoli
how are alveoli adapted for gas exchange?
thin - shorter diffusion pathway
large s.a - more diffusion can take place
how does haemoglobin help with gas exchange at the lungs?
it helps with loading and unloading oxygen and carbon dioxide
where is oxygen loaded and unloaded?
loaded - lungs
unloaded - respiring cells
where is carbon dioxide loaded and unloaded?
loaded - respiring cells
unloaded - lungs
whats the Bohr effect?
where the respiration rate increases and CO2 in blood increases which forms carbonic acid -> lowers pH in blood and causes haemoglobin to release more O2 -> muscles can work at the same rate.
