Exchange surfaces Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is breathing?
The action performed by the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles to allow ventilation.
What is countercurrent flow?
A term that describes two liquids in close proximity to each other flowing in opposite directions.
What is diffusion?
The net movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, down a concentration gradient.
What is an exchange surface?
A specialised area that is adapted to allow molecules to cross from one side of the surface to the other more easily.
What is gas exchange?
A process by which gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, are transferred across a surface.
What is an organ?
A group of tissues working together to perform a specific function.
What is residual volume?
The volume of air left in the lungs after a forced expiration.
What is respiration?
A process in living organisms involving the release of energy from food; both aerobic and anaerobic respiration involve the oxidation of complex organic substances, such as glucose or fatty acids.
What is the surface area to volume ratio?
A ratio which compares how much surface area there is to volume. It should always be written as a ratio X:1.
What is tidal volume?
The volume of air moved in and out of the lungs with a normal breath.
What is tissue?
A group of similar specialised cells that work together to perform a specific function.
What is ventilation?
The refreshing of the air in the lungs, so that there is a higher oxygen concentration than in the blood, and a lower carbon dioxide concentration.
What is vital capacity?
Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air that can be moved by the lungs in one breath.
