SPEC POINT 2.1

Question 1

What is Fick’s Law?

Answer 1

rate of diffusion ∝ (surface area x concentration gradient) / diffusion distance

Question 2

What are the properties of gas exchange surfaces?

Answer 2

1. surface area to volume ratio
2. diffusion pathway
3. concentration gradient

Question 3

Explain how the adaptations of the lungs (structure) is linked to its function (TO INCREASE SURFACE AREA):

Answer 3

To increase SURFACE AREA it has:
1. many Alveoli
2. a large network of capillaries

Question 4

Explain how the adaptations of the lungs (structure) is linked to its function (TO REDUCE DIFFUSION DISTANCE FOR OXYGEN AND CARBON DIOXIDE):

Answer 4

To reduce DIFFUSION DISTANCE for oxygen and carbon dioxide it has:
1. Alveolar walls composed of squamous epithelium
2. capillaries close to alveolar wall
3. capillaries wall that are one cell thick

Question 5

Explain how the adaptations of the lungs (structure) is linked to its function (TO ALLOW CONCENTRATION GRADIENT TO BE HIGH AND MAINTAIN CONCENTRATION GRADIENT):

Answer 5

To allow clear lumen for effective ventilation, that allows CONCENTRATION GRADIENT of gases to be high and muscles causes ventilation of lungs, maintaining concentration gradients, it has:
1. Bronchioles: Bronchi have ciliated columnar epithelium, with goblet cells that produce mucus
2. Diaphragm/intercoastal