Describe the structures involved in gas exchange in the lungs and explain how gas exchange occurs.
To review:
Structures involved in gas exchange inside the lungs and the process of exchange of gases in the lungs.
Introduction:
Lungs are the primary organs in the respiratory system. The function of the lungs is to take up oxygen from the environment and transfer it to the bloodstream. They are the spongy air-filled organs. The carbon dioxide collected from the various tissues is exhaled through the lungs.
Explanation of Solution
Alveoli are the structures in which the exchange of gases takes occur. Alveoli are the tiny sacs that take part in the gaseous exchange. The bronchi deliver the oxygen-rich air to the lungs and in alveoli, exchange of gases takes place. The walls of alveoli are thin and capillaries provide the surface area for oxygen and carbon dioxide to diffuse across making the process of gas exchange efficient.
The lungs are the sites of oxygenation of the blood. It also eliminates carbon dioxide from the body. The exchange of gases takes place in the lungs between the alveoli and the network of tiny blood vessels referred to as capillaries, that are situated in the walls of the alveoli. The exchange of gases takes place in the alveoli.
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Chapter 16 Solutions
Human Physiology
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