Gaseous Exchange Systems

Question 1

What is the role of specialized surfaces and body organs in multicellular organisms?

Answer 1

They are specialized for exchanging materials.

Question 2

What increases the effectiveness of exchange surfaces in plants and animals?

Answer 2

A large surface area and a short distance for diffusion.

Question 3

Give an example of a structure with a large surface area in plants.

Answer 3

The flattened shape of leaves.

Question 4

What are alveoli and their function?

Answer 4

They are structures in the respiratory system that increase surface area for gas exchange.

Question 5

What are villi and their role in the body?

Answer 5

They are structures in the digestive system that increase surface area for nutrient absorption.

Question 6

What is a key feature of effective exchange surfaces regarding the distance for diffusion?

Answer 6

They require a short distance for diffusion.

Question 7

How thick are the walls of blood capillaries?

Answer 7

They are one cell thick.

Question 8

What is the thickness of the epithelia of alveoli in the respiratory system?

Answer 8

They are only one cell thick.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The _______ of cells allows for effective material exchange.

Answer 9

membranes

Question 10

True or False: A large surface area is not important for effective exchange surfaces.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

List two examples of structures that increase the surface area for material exchange.

Answer 11

• Leaves
• Alveoli

Question 12

What encloses the lungs?

Answer 12

The thorax

The thorax is the part of the body between the neck and the abdomen.

Question 13

What muscles are responsible for moving the ribs?

Answer 13

Intercostal muscles

These muscles are located between the ribs.

Question 14

What type of membranes seal the lungs?

Answer 14

Pleural membranes

These membranes create an airtight seal around the lungs.

Question 15

What is the function of the trachea?

Answer 15

It serves as the windpipe for air passage

The trachea branches into two bronchi.

Question 16

What does the trachea branch into?

Answer 16

Two bronchi

One bronchus leads to each lung.

Question 17

What structural feature helps keep the trachea open?

Answer 17

Rings of cartilage

These rings prevent the trachea from collapsing.

Question 18

What are the microscopic air sacs at the end of bronchioles called?

Answer 18

Alveoli

Alveoli are the primary site for gas exchange.

Question 19

What is the role of blood capillaries in the respiratory system?

Answer 19

They facilitate gas exchange

Blood capillaries surround alveoli, allowing oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass.

Question 20

Fill in the blank: The lungs are surrounded by _______.

Answer 20

pleural membranes

Question 21

True or False: The diaphragm is located above the lungs.

Answer 21

False

The diaphragm is positioned below the lungs.

Question 22

What is the process of breathing in called?

Answer 22

Inhalation

Inhalation is when air rich in oxygen enters the lungs.

Question 23

What structures do air pass through to reach the alveoli?

Answer 23

Trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles

These are the pathways for air to reach the tiny air sacs in the lungs.

Question 24

What happens to oxygen in the alveoli?

Answer 24

Oxygen moves from the air in the alveoli into the blood in capillaries

This exchange is crucial for oxygenating blood.

Question 25

What is the role of carbon dioxide in the alveoli?

Answer 25

Carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the alveoli to be breathed out

This process is part of the respiratory cycle.

Question 26

What is the process of breathing out called?

Answer 26

Exhalation

Exhalation is when carbon dioxide is removed from the body.

Question 27

List the four reasons why alveoli are efficient for gas exchange.

Answer 27

• Large surface area
• Very thin walls
• Good blood supply
• Constant ventilation

These features facilitate effective gas exchange.

Question 28

Fill in the blank: Air rich in _______ enters the lungs.

Answer 28

oxygen

Oxygen is essential for the body’s cellular functions.

Question 29

True or False: Alveoli are responsible for the exchange of gases in the lungs.

Answer 29

True

Alveoli are the site where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.