Gas Exchange in the Alveoli Flashcards
1
Q
how does gas exchange happen in the alveoli?
A
- oxygen diffuses from the air into the red blood cells, where it binds with the haemoglobin for transport
- carbon dioxide, dissolved in the plasma, diffuses from the blood into the alveolus
2
Q
how is the alveoli adapted for diffusion?
A
- large surface area - increases rate of diffusion
- capillary network of capillaries (carries deoxygenated blood to the alveolus and move oxygenated blood away) - maintains a high concentration gradient
- one cell thick walls - small diffusion distance