3.1 Exchange surfaces Flashcards
(81 cards)
Why is diffusion alone enough to support single celled organisms?
Metabolic activity is low
Large surface area to volume ratio
What happens to surface area to volume ratio and diffusion distance as the size of an organism increases
Surface area to volume ratio decreases, and diffusion distance increases
What is an exchange surface
Where diffusion occurs
What are the four adaptations of an exchange surface
Increased surface area, Thin layers, Good blood supply, Ventilation
How does increased surface area increase diffusion rate
Overcomes limitations of SA:V ration
How does once cell thick layers increase diffusion rate
Decreased diffusion distance, fast and efficient
How does good blood supply increase diffusion rate
Substances are constantly delivered and removed from the exchange surface, maintaining a steep concentration gradient
How does ventilation increase diffusion rate
Maintain a concentration gradient, as gas is constantly supplied and removed
What happens to gasses in mammals before they are able to diffuse into the blood
Oxygen dissolves in water (moist) on gas exchange surface
Why do humans need to have a gaseous exchange system
Small surface area to volume ration, high metabolic rate (active, maintain temperature
Where does gaseous exchange occur in humans
In the lungs, at alveoli
Recite the path of air going into lungs
Mouth, trachea, bronchus, bronchioles, alveoli.
Why is the nasal cavity important?
Large surface area with good blood supply - warms air to body temperature
Hairy lining - secrets mucus to trap dust and bacteria, protecting the lungs
Moist surface - Increases humidity of air, reducing evaporation from exchange surface
What is the trachea
Main airway
What tissues are found in the trachea
Ciliated Epithelium, Cartilage, Elastic fibres, Smooth muscle
What is the role of cartilage
Supports the trachea and prevents from collapsing when pressure drops
What shape is the cartilage in the trachea, why?
C shaped rings (incomplete) - allow food to move down oesophagus
What is the job of goblet cells
Secrete mucus, to trap dust and pathogens
What is the job of ciliated epithelium cells
Waft mucus away from the lungs to the throat, where it is swallowed and digested
What is the impact of smoking on the ciliated epithelium
Stops cilia being able to waft mucus
What is the role of elastic fibres
Stretch and recoil, forcing air out at the end of breath
What is the role of smooth muscle
Contracts and relax, changing the diameter of the trachea, altering air flow. Relaxed = wider.
What is the Bronchus (singular)/ bronchi (plural)
Trachea divides to form left and right bronchus, smaller then the trachea
What tissues are found in the bronchi
Ciliated epithelium, cartilage, elastic fibres, smooth muscle