Exchange surfaces Flashcards
(75 cards)
What are the three main factors that affect the need for an exchange system
-size
-surface area to volume ratio
-Level of activity
How does size affect the need for an exchange system
-In small organisms or the cytoplasm is close the environment in which they live
-diffusion supplies enough oxygen and nutrients to keep the cells alive and active
-multicellular organisms may have several layers of cells
-here any oxygen or nutrients diffusing in from outside have a longer diffusion pathway
-Diffusion is too slow to enable a sufficient supply to the innermost cells
What types of organisms don’t need an exchange system
unicellular organisms like amoeba
How do you work out SA:V
SA=4piR(2)
Volume=4/3piR(2
What is the surface area to volume ratio in small organisms
-have a large surface area to volume ratio
-Surface area is large enough to supply all the cells with sufficient oxygen
SA:V in large organisms
-Small surface area to volume ratio
-volume increases but SA doesn’t
How do some large organisms not need an exchange system (shape)
things like the flatworm have a large SA:V of skin so can take in O2
How does the level of activity of an organism affects the need for an exchange system
-some organisms are more active than others
-more metabolic activity takes place
-need good supplies of nutrients and oxygen to supply energy for movement
-This is further increased in animals such as mammals that keep themselves warm
How is a large surface area part of a good exchange surface
provides more space for molecules to pass through
What features make a good ES
-large SA
-Short diffusion distance
-good blood supply
How is a thin barrier a feature of a good exchange surface
reduces diffusion distance
Why is a good supply of blood a feature of a good exchange surface
Maintains a steep conc gradient
What is the need for exchange?
Take in O2 and glucose and get rid of waste products (CO2)
What features in organisms make good ES
Intestines: microvilli
Lungs
Gills
Insect tracheal system
Leaves
Root hair cells
How does the mammalian exchange system work
-Lungs are a pair of inflatable sacks lying in chest cavity
-Air passes into the lungs through the nose and along the trachea bronchi and bronchioles
- finally it reaches tiny airfield sacs called alveoli (surfaces with the exchange of gases takes place)
What is ventilation
-The refreshing of air in the lungs so there is a higher oxygen concentration in the blood and the lower carbon dioxide concentration
How does gaseous exchange in the lungs work
-gases pass by diffusion through the thin walls of the alveoli
- oxygen passes from air in the alveoli to blood in the capillaries
- carbon dioxide passes from blood to the air in the alveoli
- Lungs must maintain a steep concentration gradient in each direction in order to ensure that diffusion can continue
What are the features of the Trachea
-Pipe is supported by a layer of cartilage that holds the trachea open and prevents it from collapsing
-rings are incomplete to allow it to bend when food is entering down the oesophagus behind
- Trachea lined with ciliated epithelium cells and goblet cells that prevent dust and bacteria from Entering
-Glandular tissue is the loose tissue also produces mucus
What are the certain requirements the airways need to work
-large enough to allow sufficient air to flow without obstruction
-supported to prevent collapse when the air pressure inside is low during inspiration
-Flexible in order to allow movement
What are the key features of the Bronci
-similar structure to trachea but narrower
-also supported by rings of cartilage
-Extensions of the Trachea that split into left/right lung
-Cartilage rings hold the pipe open
What is the purpose of goblet and epithelial cells in the airways
-Goblet cells secrete mucous to trap pathogens
-Cilia waft mucous to the back of the throat where pathogens swallowed and neutralized in the stomach
What are the key features of the bronchioles
-the bronchus split into smaller bronchioles
-Not much cartilage and held open by smooth muscle
-when muscles contract the bronchioles contract this is dependent on air flow
Where does gas exchange occur
respiratory bronchioles and aveoli
What does smooth muscle cause
The airway to constrict