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Chapter 9: Problem 5

How does the structure of the alveoli make gas exchange efficient?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The alveoli are small, thin-walled, moist, sac-like structures located at the end of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. They possess a large surface area which, alongside a rich blood supply, maximizes the diffusion of gases in and out of the blood. The moist environment within the alveoli also aids in the dissolution of gases, making the process of gas exchange efficient.

Step by step solution

01

Definition

Define the alveoli. The alveoli are small air sacs in the lungs. Their primary function is to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules to and from the bloodstream. They are the final branching of the respiratory tree and act as the primary gas exchange units of the lung.
02

Thin Walls

Discuss the importance of thin walls. Alveoli have incredibly thin walls. This is important because it allows for the quick diffusion of gases. This thinness means that there are only two cells between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the capillaries: the epithelial cell of the alveoli and the endothelial cell of the capillaries.
03

Large Surface Area

Explain the role of the large surface area. There are hundreds of millions of alveoli in human lungs, and the fact that they are spherical increases the available surface area for gas exchange. This large surface area allows for a lot of gas to be exchanged quickly.
04

Moist Environment

Talk about the moist environment. The inside of the alveoli are moist, which helps to dissolve gases. The gases must be in solution to diffuse across cell membranes, so the moist environment helps facilitate this.
05

Rich Blood Supply

Discuss the importance of a rich blood supply. The alveoli are surrounded by a network of tiny blood vessels. These tiny blood vessels or capillaries carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the alveoli, where oxygen is picked up and carbon dioxide is dropped off. A good blood supply makes the transport of gases more efficient.

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