Chapter 23.6, Problem 32WDL

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Among the following which would decrease alveolar gas exchange: loss of alveoli, fluid accumulation in the lungs, arteriole vasoconstriction, and bronchiole dilation.

Concept introduction:

The alveolar gas exchange is the exchange of gases between blood and alveolus. The gases diffuse across the fused membrane. This thin membrane is present between blood and alveolus and each gas diffuse down its partial pressure gradient. The efficiency of both ${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$ and ${\text{O}}_{\text{2}}$ diffusion during alveolar gas exchange is dependent upon the large surface area and least thickness of the membrane.