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Alveoli and Gas Exchange in the Lungs
Jun 13, 2024
Alveoli and Gas Exchange in the Lungs
Structure of Alveoli
Location:
End of the bronchioles
Shape:
Resembles cauliflower; tiny air sacs
Diagram Insight:
Oxygen and carbon dioxide are supplied and removed through breathing
Gas Exchange Process
Lining:
One cell thick
Oxygen diffuses across the cell membrane lining the alveolus
Continues to diffuse across the blood capillary lining
Finally, diffuses into red blood cells and binds with hemoglobin to form oxyhemoglobin
Carbon dioxide follows the reverse path to exit the body
Concentration Gradient:
Maintained by constant supply and removal of gases through breathing and blood flow
Features of Gas Exchange Surface
Large Surface Area:
Provided by shape and number of alveoli
Thinness:
Only one cell thick, short diffusion pathway
Moist Lining:
Allows gases to dissolve and diffuse across the lining
Good Blood Supply:
Dense network of blood capillaries around each alveolus
Microscopic View of Lung Tissue
Capillary Network:
Zigzag crisscross mesh
Red Blood Cells:
Visible as individual red splotches
Ventilation
Good Air Supply:
Ensured through effective breathing
Exam Tips
**Features for Efficient Gas Exchange: **
Large surface area from numerous alveoli
One cell thick surface for short diffusion pathway
Dense capillary network supplying blood
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