Module 3 - Exchange Surfaces Flashcards
Why is diffusion across the outer membranes too slow in multi-cellular organisms?
- Some organisms are deep within the body (a big distance)
- Large animals have a slower SA:V ratio (as it is difficult to exchange substances)
- They have a higher metabolic rate than single-celled organisms (they use up oxygen and glucose faster)
How does SA:V and the size of organism correlate?
- The larger the organism, the smaller the SA:V ratio.
- takes longer for substances to reach the cells.
- it is impossible to absorb enough oxygen through the surface area to meet the needs of the body
How are gas exchange surfaces adapted to be efficient?
- Increased SA:V: gas exchange takes place quicker.
- Thin layers: short diffusion distances
- Good blood supply: steeper the concentration gradient, the faster diffusion takes place.
- Ventilation - maintains diffusion gradient and makes the process more efficient
how does gas exchange system occur in mammals?
- consists of lungs which air is carried in and out.
- lungs: inflatable sacs in the chest cavity.
- air passes through the nose along the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles.
- It then reaches the alveoli (gas exchange takes place)
- lungs are protected by the ribcage.
- Ribcage are held by intercostal muscles.
- action of these muscles and the diaphragm help with ventilation
What are alveoli?
Surfaces where gas exchange takes place
What is the diaphragm?
A layer of muscular tissue beneath the lungs
What is ventilation?
Breathing movements
What does it mean mammals have a large metabolic rate?
If mammals have a large SA:V ratio, it means they have lots of energy and can supply to the cells
what features does the nasal cavity have?
- a large surface area with a good bloody supply: this warms the air to body temperature.
- Hair lining: this secretes mucus to trap dust and bacteria protecting lung tissue from irritation and infection.
- Moist surfaces: increases humidity of the incoming air, reduces evaporation from exchange surfaces.
what is the Nasal cavity?
- after air enters the nasal cavity
- air enters the lung which is similar to temperature and humidity to the air
What do the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles do?
- They are tubes which lead down into the alveoli, delivering oxygen and removing carbon dioxide
What are goblet cells?
(lining in the airways) - secretes mucus. This traps microorganism and dust particles which stops air reaching the alveoli.
What is cilia?
- They are hair liked structures on the surface of epithelial cells lining the airways.
- They beat the mucus secreted by the goblet cells.
- Upwards away from the alveoli towards the throat
prevents lung infection
What are elastic fibres?
- In the walls of the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli help the process of breathing out
- they stretch and then recoil to push air out when exhaling.
What are smooth muscles?
- In the walls of trachea, bronchi and bronchioles
- they contract and relax depending on the level of activity.
How do smooth muscles act during exercise?
- They relax, making the tubes wider.
- less resistance to air flow and air can move in and out of the lungs more easily
What are cartilages?
- In the walls of the trachea and bronchi
- Its strong but flexible
stops the trachea and bronchi collapsing when you breath in - so the pressure drops
how is the trachea adapted?
- Large C shaped pieces of cartilage
- smooth muscles
elastic fibres - goblet cells
ciliated epithelium
howis the Bronchi adapted?
- smaller piece of cartilage
- smooth muscles
elastic fibres - goblet cells
ciliated epithelium
how are Larger bronchioles adapted?
- no cartilage
- smooth muscles
elastic fibres - goblet cells
ciliated epithelium
how are the Smaller bronchioles adapted?
- no cartilage
- smooth muscles
elastic fibres - no goblet cells
ciliated epithelium
how are the Smallest bronchiole adapted?
- no cartilage
- no smooth muscles
elastic fibres - no goblet cells
- no cilia