Surface area to volume ratio Flashcards
1
Q
What’s necessary for efficient exchange?
A
A large surface area to volume ratio
A short diffusion distance
A large difference in the concentration of gas on opposite sides of the surface
2
Q
What allows human lungs to do efficient exchange?
A
The human lungs have a large surface area due to the 350 million alveoli in each lung. Lungs have airways called bronchioles which branch outwards into branches which have the alveoli on
3
Q
How do alveoli help with surface area?
A
The alveoli have networks of blood capillaries which form a thin barrier between the air and blood. This minimises the area oxygen has to diffuse into the blood making it the most efficient.
