Question

"The human lungs are designed to have maximum surface area for exchange of gases". Explain.

Answer 1

$\LARGE{ \underline{\underline{ \sf{Statement \: given:}}}}$

• The human lungs are designed to have maximum surface area for exchange of gases.

$\LARGE{ \underline{\underline{ \sf{Required \: answer:}}}}$

The exchange of gases takes place inside the Alveoli which is the structural and functional units of human respiratory system.

There are millions of alveoli present inside the lungs and comprises a total surface area of 80 m². They are covered with capillaries, hence they get maximum surface area for the exchange of gases otherwise 80 m² area won't fit inside our two small lungs.

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How Exchange of gases takes place inside alveoli?

• Our Inhaled air has a high oxygen concentration than that is blood. So, Oxygen can easily diffuse from alveoli into the blood.

• It binds with haemoglobin to form oxyhaemoglobin. This is then transferred to all the parts.

• After the blood gets deoxygenated, Carbon dioxide is in higher concentration than that in alveoli. So, CO2 diffuses from the blood to alveoli. In this way, the gases are exchanged from outer to innner and vice-versa.

Answer 2

Explanation:

              Lungs play a major role in the respiratory system. In humans, a pair of lungs are designed in such a way that they are lined by a thin membrane, the smaller tubes called bronchioles a balloon-like structure called alveoli and network of blood capillaries increase the surface area for exchange of gases.

            Humans have two lungs and are situated within the thoracic cavity of the chest.

• They are soft spongy and elastic organ enclosed in a thin membranous sac called the pleura.

• Lungs are divided into a smaller structure called bronchi which are divided into bronchioles.

• Alveoli are small, round or balloon-like structure found the end of the bronchioles and provide a larger surface area and maximises the exchange of gases inside the lungs.