Structure of the Gas Exchange System

Question 1

Explain why mammals have to absorb large volumes of oxygen and release large volumes of carbon dioxide

Answer 1

They are large and have a large volume of living cells

They have a high body temperature which means they have a high metabolic rate and respiratory rate

Question 2

Describe the trachea

Answer 2

flexible airway supported by cartilage to prevent collapse

walls contain muscle and are lined with ciliated epithelium and goblet cells

Question 3

Describe the bronchi

Answer 3

two divisions in trachea leading to a lung each

produce mucus to trap dirt particles and cilia to move the mucus

Question 4

Describe bronchioles

Answer 4

Describe bronchioles
branching subdivisions of bronchi
muscle in walls to control air flow in and out of alveoli

Question 5

Describe alveoli

Answer 5

air sacs 200 micrometres in diameter at the end of the bronchioles.
collagen and elastic fibres between alveoli.
alveoli lined with epithelium.
the elastic fibres allow the alveoli to stretch and recoil