Chapter 21, Problem 1CRQ

Summary Introduction

To label: The partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the given figure of external respiration in the pulmonary circuit and internal respiration in the systemic circuit.

Introduction: Respiration is the process of gaseous exchange between the atmosphere and lungs. Respiration involves inhalation and exhalation activity, which is termed as breathing. Respiration is of two types, internal respiration and external respiration.

Answer to Problem 1CRQ

Pictorial representation: The partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide of external respiration in the pulmonary circuit and internal respiration in the systemic circuit is labeled in Figure 1 given below:

Fig. 1: Partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide

Explanation of Solution

The body tissues must be constantly supplied with oxygen and carbon dioxide must be constantly removed from the cells. To fulfill this purpose, the respiratory and circulatory systems function together. The pulmonary circuit assists the external respiration while the systemic circuit assists the internal respiration. The external respiration is the exchange of gases between the alveoli of lungs and the environment, whereas internal respiration is the exchange of gases between the blood and cells. The Po₂ is higher in the surrounding environment than in the blood capillaries, hence oxygen diffuses into the blood capillaries. The Pco₂ is lower in the surrounding environment than in the blood capillaries, hence carbon dioxide diffuses out of the blood capillaries. The partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide of external respiration in the pulmonary circuit and internal respiration in the systemic circuit is labeled in the given figure.