Health&SocialCare: Unit 4- 2.3~ Gaseous exchange

Question 1

What is the role of alveoli walls?

Answer 1

The site of gaseous exchange- oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide is removed from it.

Question 2

What is the structure of alveoli walls?

Answer 2

• Vast number of air sacs with caplillaries around it, making larger surface area- large amount of gas exchange can occur
• Walls are thin with one flattened thick cell- minimal distance for gas to pass through
• Inner surface of alveoli is coated with layer of water- allows oxygen to dissolve before travelling ahead.

Question 3

Explain the diffusion gradient.

Answer 3

• Theres higher concentration of oxygen inhaled in air than in blood. Oxygen diffuses into the blood and combines with haemogoblin in erythrocytes
• Co2 in blood difuses in opposite direction due to high levels of gas in blood than in alveoli

Question 4

What is the process of gaseous exchange?

Answer 4

• Inhale air into lungs
• Air travels down trachea into tiny air sacs called alveoli
• Oxygen passes through thin walls of alveoli into capillaries