Respiratory Surface And Protection Flashcards
What is the respiratory surface
Where the alveoli come in close contact with capillaries that surround them
What is diffusion
The movement of a substance from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration down a concentration gradient
What kind of surface do alveolis have
They have a curved surface with a large surface area to allow for rapid diffusion
What kind of layer are capillary walls and alveolis lined with
They are lined with a single layer of squamous epithelium so the distance for diffusion is short
How is diffusion possible?
The extensive capillary network leads in efficient transport system to maintain a steep diffusion gradient (big difference)
Why are alveoli walls moist?
To prevent desiccation and so gases can dissolve. Gases need to be in solution form to dissolve
How will oxygen and carbon dioxide defuses in and out of blood
They are picked up by the blood flowing past them
How are we getting oxygen into the lungs
By ventilation (breathing)
How are lungs protected
By the rib cage and sternum
What do nasal hairs do?
Trap dirt and other larger particles inhaled
How does mucus protect the lungs
The mucus that lines the nasal passages trap finer particles from going into the lungs
