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Questions and Answers
What is the process of taking air into the lungs called?
Inspiration
Define expiration in the context of breathing.
Breathing out
Explain the role of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles in breathing.
They change the volume and pressure of the lungs to facilitate airflow.
What is the function of alveoli in the lungs?
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How does air flow into and out of the lungs?
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Why are the alveoli considered the functional units of the lungs?
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What is the role of blood vessels in the alveoli?
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How is the concentration gradient for gas exchange in the lungs maintained?
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Why is the membrane of the alveolus very thin?
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How does the blood maintain a concentration gradient for oxygen and carbon dioxide?
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What happens to the blood flow through the capillaries when it picks up oxygen and loses carbon dioxide?
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How does the movement of air during breathing contribute to gas exchange?
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What disease is usually caused by long-term exposure to irritating particles in the air, such as tobacco smoke?
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What happens to the alveoli in emphysema?
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What are the two main problems faced by individuals with emphysema?
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What is the main cause of lung cancer?
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What is the primary effect of emphysema on lung tissue elasticity?
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Can emphysema be cured once lung damage begins?
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Study Notes
Structure of the Respiratory System
- Alveoli are the functional units of the lungs, responsible for gaseous exchange.
- Each alveolus is surrounded by a network of blood capillaries, enabling gas exchange between the blood and air.
Mechanics of Breathing
- Ventilation, or breathing, is the process by which air is moved into and out of the lungs.
- Air flows into and out of the lungs due to differences in air pressure.
- Inspiration (inhalation) occurs when air flows into the lungs, and expiration (exhalation) occurs when air flows out of the lungs.
- The diaphragm and intercostal muscles work together to change the volume and pressure of the lungs, resulting in airflow into or out of the lungs.
Gas Exchange
- The lungs have a huge internal surface area due to the alveoli, allowing for large amounts of gases to be exchanged in a relatively short time.
- The 'new' air is low in carbon dioxide and high in oxygen.
- The process of gas exchange occurs between the alveolar air and blood, with oxygen passing from the air into the blood and carbon dioxide passing from the blood into the air.
- A concentration gradient is maintained between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the capillaries, allowing for diffusion of gases into and out of the blood.
Effects of Lifestyle and Environment on Gas Exchange
- Emphysema is a disease caused by long-term exposure to irritating particles in the air, such as tobacco smoke.
- Emphysema causes damage to the alveoli, leading to a loss of elasticity and surface area, making it difficult for gas exchange to occur.
- Emphysema sufferers experience inadequate surface area for gas exchange and difficulty in ventilating the lungs.
- Lung cancer is linked to exposure to asbestos fibres and other pollutants, but tobacco smoking poses the greatest risk.
- Lung cancer involves the development of a mass of cells that divides in an uncontrolled way, forming a tumour.
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Description
This quiz explores the process of gas exchange in the alveoli of the lungs, focusing on the interaction between alveolar air and blood. It covers the anatomy of alveoli, the role of blood vessels, and the thin membrane facilitating gas exchange.