Topic 4 - Breathing and the Gas Exchange Flashcards
1
Q
What is breathing/ ventilating the lungs?
A
Moving air into and out of the lungs
2
Q
What do the lungs contain?
A
The exchange surface of the breathing system
3
Q
Where are the lungs situated?
A
In the thorax, inside the ribcage and above the diaphragm, which separates the lungs from the abdomen
4
Q
What happens when you breath in?
A
- The intercostal muscles between the ribs contract moving the ribcage up and out
- The muscles of the diaphragm contract and the diaphragm flattens
- The volume of the thorax increases
- The pressure in the thorax decreases and air is drawn into your lungs
5
Q
What happens when you breathe out?
A
- The intercostal muscles of the ribcage and the diaphragm relax
- The ribcage moves down and in and the diaphragm becomes domed
- The volume of the thorax decreases
- The pressure increases and air is forced out
6
Q
What are your lungs adapted for?
A
To make gas exchange more efficient
7
Q
What gas is absorbed into the blood?
A
Oxygen
8
Q
What gas is removed from the blood?
A
Carbon dioxide
9
Q
What do efficient exchange surfaces have?
A
- A large surface area
- Thin walls or Short diffusion path
- An efficient transport system
10
Q
How is the surface area of the lungs increased?
A
The alveoli (air sacs)
11
Q
What are the features of alveoli?
A
- Large surface areas
- Thin walls
- Good blood supply
12
Q
Where does oxygen diffuse to?
A
The capillaries surrounding the alveoli
