6.4 Gas exchange

Question 1

What are pneumocytes?

Answer 1

Alveolar cells (line the lungs)

Question 2

What are the two types of pneumocytes (BE CREATIVE)?

Answer 2

Type I pneumocytes
Type II pneumoytes

Question 3

What is the function of type I pneumocytes?

Answer 3

Involved in gas exchange between alveoli and capillaries

Question 4

What is a reproductive feature of type I pnuemocytes?

Answer 4

Amniotic and unable to replicate (type II can differentiate into type I)

Question 5

What is the function of type II pneumocytes?

Answer 5

Responsible for secretion of pulmonary surfactant (reduces surface tension)

Question 6

What is the shape of type II pneumocytes and why?

Answer 6

Cuboidal with many granules for storing surfactant

Question 7

Why is there a need to reduce surface tension in the alveoli?

Answer 7

The moist lining helps dissolve the Oxygen but also minimises SA due to cohesion

Question 8

What is Boyle’s Law?

Answer 8

Pressure is inversly proportional to volume

Question 9

Which muscles cause inspiration?

Answer 9

External intercostal muscles contract
Diaphragm contracts

Question 10

Which muscles cause expiration?

Answer 10

Internal intercostal muscles contract
Diaphragm relaxes

Question 11

What is emphysema?

Answer 11

A lung condition by which lungs lose their elasticity due to damage on the alveolar walls

Question 12

What does a spirometer measure?

Answer 12

The amount and rate of air a person breathes