Module 2.5 Flashcards
Gas exchange
the process of an organism taking in and giving out gas
Breathing
a ventilating process keeping the air inside lungs fresh by moving it in and out
Respiration
a series of chemical reactions inside the cells releasing energy to be used by them
Diffusion
movement of a substance from a place of high to low concentration
Gas exchange surface
a special surface with large surface areas adapted for gas exchange
Alveoli
groups of air sacs inside the lungs where gas exchange takes place
Diaphragm
an arc of muscle at the bottom of the thorax, contracting when inhaling and relaxing when exhaling
Intercostal muscles
two sets of muscles (internal and external) linking the ribs
Bronchitis
a condition caused by smoke, symptoms like coughing up stored mucus
Emphysema
the walls of the alveoli merging together by cigarette smoke chemicals, causing breathlessness
Metabolic rate
the rate at which metabolism (life-sustaining chemical reactions) occurs
Carcinogen
cancer-causing chemicals, e.g. those found in cigarette smoke
hydrogen carbonate indicator
A chemical solution changing colour depending on the carbon dioxide concentration of the surrounding air
compensation point
the light intensity at which no gain nor loss of gas through gas exchange occurs
coronary heart disease (CHD)
the build-up of acids on the artery walls, narrowing and blocking them
