Gas Exchange in the Alveoli Flashcards

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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
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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
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