Sunday, June 25, 2017

2.48: Explain How Alveoli are Adapted for Gas Exchange by Diffusion Between Air in the Lungs and Blood in Capillaries

ALVEOLI: Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs

STRUCTURE OF ALVEOLI:

                                               


Diagram showing the Structure of Alveoli in Lungs


ADAPTATIONS:

FEATURE
ADAPTATION
FOLDED ALVEOLI
Folded to increase surface area to volume ratio for diffusion of gases, therefore increasing rate of gas exchange

THIN CELL WALLS
Thin cell walls (one cell thick) to minimise distance of diffusion of gases, therefore increasing the rate of gas exchange

DENSE CAPILLARY NETWORK
Alveoli surrounded by dense capillary network to provide rich blood supply and creates a strong concentration gradient for the diffusion of gases, therefore increasing the rate of gas exchange



5 comments:

  1. The biology here is poor.. a feature is an adaptation... a physical thing.. alveoli do not have cell walls and they are not folded so none of the features would get a mark in the exam. The adaptations column shows explanations and adaptations. As a teacher, you need to check your facts

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  2. correct, instead you should mention that there are only 5 membranes to diffuse through, keeping a short distance; and should perhaps mention the surfactants that help dissolve the oxygen/carbon dioxide; and the continued ventilation and high blood flow through the capillaries, maintaining a high concentration gradient

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