6.

4 Gas exchange
Monday, 9 July 2012 1:08 PM

6.4.1 Distinguish between ventilation, gas exchange and cell respiration.

Ventilation = The pumping mechanism that moves air in and out of the lungs efficiently, thereby maintaining the concentration gradient for diffusion
Gas Exchange = The exchange of gases between an organism and its surroundings, including the uptake of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide in animals and plants Cell Respiration = The controlled release of energy in the form of ATP from organic compounds in cells

6.4.2 Explain the need for a ventilation system. REASON 1: our bodies are thick Aerobic single-celled organisms achieve gas exchange without a ventilation system Humans need one because only out outside cells are exposed to air Respiratory and circulatory system function together REASON 2: to ensure the concentration of gases within lungs encourages diffusion in a direction that is beneficial If not breathing, it would not take long for oxygen to diffuse in the opposite direction Continuous breathing keeps oxygen concentration higher in lungs than in capillaries 6.4.3 Describe the features of alveoli that adapt them to gas exchange.
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6.4.3 Describe the features of alveoli that adapt them to gas exchange. Alveoli are clusters at the ends of the smallest bronchioles 300 million alveoli in each lung Each cluster of alveoli surrounded by capillary bed Blood from right ventricle enter capillary beds via pulmonary arteries Oxygen diffuses from the air in each alveolus Carbon dioxide diffuses in opposite direction Continuous breathing --> concentration gradients of gases ensures diffusion is in right direction Adaptation Spherical shape Flattened, single cell thick Moist inner lining Advantage Provides large surface area for respiratory gases to diffuse through Prevents respiratory gases from having to diffuse through more cell layers Allows for efficient diffusion, reduces friction

Associated capillary bed nearby

Respiratory gases don't have to diffuse far to reach capillaries

6.4.4 Draw and label a diagram of the ventilation system, including trachea, lungs, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Air enters through mouth or nasal passages Enters trachea Right and left primary bronchi Smaller branches of bronchi Bronchioles (very small branches) Alveoli (small air sacs)

6.4.5 Explain the mechanism of ventilation of the lungs in terms of volume and pressure changes caused by the internal and external intercostal muscles, the diaphragm and abdominal muscles.
Mechanism of breathing based on relationship between pressure and volume Increase in volume --> decrease in pressure Relationship between thorax and internal environment of lungs
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 Relationship between thorax and internal environment of lungs

Inspiration

Expiration

External intercostal muscles contract Internal intercostal muscles relax Diaphragm contracts Abdominal muscles relax Chest volume increases Decreasing pressure, air enters

External intercostal muscles relax Internal intercostal muscles contract Diaphragm relaxes Abdominal muscles contract Chest volume decreases Increasing pressure, air exits

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