how are respiratory surfaces adapted to their functions
Answers
Explanation:
Adaptations of the alveoli:
Thin walls - alveolar walls are one cell thick providing gases with a short diffusion distance. Moist walls - gases dissolve in the moisture helping them to pass across the gas exchange surface. Permeable walls - allow gases to pass through. ... Carbon dioxide diffuses in the opposite direction.
Answer:
Large surface area - many alveoli are present in the lungs with a shape that further increases surface area.
Thin walls - alveolar walls are one cell thick providing gases with a short diffusion distance.
Moist walls - gases dissolve in the moisture helping them to pass across the gas exchange surface.
Permeable walls - allow gases to pass through.
Extensive blood supply - ensuring oxygen rich blood is taken away from the lungs and carbon dioxide rich blood is taken to the lungs.
A large diffusion gradient - breathing ensures that the oxygen concentration in the alveoli is higher than in the capillaries so oxygen moves from the alveoli to the blood. Carbon dioxide diffuses in the opposite direction.