Gas Exchange Definitions

Question 1

Alveoli

Answer 1

Tiny air sacs in the lungs at the end of the bronchioles where gas exchange occurs.

Question 2

Adaptations of the alveoli for gas exchange

Answer 2

Thin moist walls for short diffusion distance, folded walls for a larger surface area and capillaries close to maintain a high concentration gradient.

Question 3

Bronchi

Answer 3

Airways branching from the trachea that lead into the lungs.

Question 4

Bronchioles

Answer 4

Small airways branching from each bronchi in each lung.

Question 5

Capillaries

Answer 5

Tin, narrow blood vessels where the exchange of substances between the blood and tissues occurs, for example O2, glucose, CO2.

Question 6

Diaphragm

Answer 6

Muscle that contracts and relaxes to change the volume of the thorax and ultimately the pressure to control inhalation and exhalation.

Question 7

Intercostal

Answer 7

Muscles between the ribs that contract and relax to move the ribcage and change the volume and pressure during inhalation and exhalation.

Question 8

Pleural membranes

Answer 8

Airtight membranes covering the lungs and the thorax to maintain pressure changes and stop the lungs form sticking to the ribcage.

Question 9

Trachea

Answer 9

Windpipe connecting the lungs to the mouth and nose. Contains lots of cartilage to ensure it stays upright and does not collapse inwards with the pressure changes.