Histology of Gas Exchange Region and Process of Gas Exchange in Alveoli

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What is the primary determinant of the rate of diffusion according to Fick's Law?

The pressure difference across the diffusion surface
The area of the diffusion surface
The diffusion constant of the gas (correct)
The thickness of the diffusion membrane

What is the main advantage of the flat upper portion of the oxygen dissociation curve?

It assists the diffusion of oxygen into tissue cells
It maintains a constant blood PO2 even if alveolar gas PO2 falls (correct)
It allows for the withdrawal of large amounts of oxygen by peripheral tissues
It allows for maximum oxygen loading in the lungs

Why is a molecule with a high affinity for oxygen best suited for oxygen loading in the lungs?

To maintain a constant blood PO2 in the lungs
To allow for the withdrawal of large amounts of oxygen by peripheral tissues
To ensure maximum oxygen loading in the alveoli (correct)
To ensure maximum oxygen unloading in the tissues

What is the relationship between ventilation (V) and perfusion (Q) in normal, healthy individuals?

V and Q are perfectly matched (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism for oxygen transport and delivery in the body?

Binding of oxygen to hemoglobin in red blood cells (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of the steep lower portion of the oxygen dissociation curve?

It allows for the withdrawal of large amounts of oxygen by peripheral tissues (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the gas exchange region of the lung is correct?

The alveoli are lined with a simple squamous epithelium to facilitate efficient gas exchange. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cell types are involved in alveolar function?

Type I and Type II alveolar epithelial cells (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does oxygen reach the tissues from the lungs?

Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the capillaries and is then carried to the tissues by hemoglobin in red blood cells. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How is carbon dioxide removed from the body?

Carbon dioxide diffuses from the tissues into the capillaries and is then carried to the alveoli by hemoglobin in red blood cells. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the air-blood barrier in the alveoli?

To facilitate efficient gas exchange between the alveoli and the capillaries (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the oxygen dissociation curve?

To illustrate the relationship between partial pressure of oxygen and the percentage of hemoglobin saturation with oxygen (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that promotes oxygen unloading from hemoglobin in tissues?

Decreased hydrogen ion (H+) concentration (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) and carbon dioxide concentration in blood?

The relationship is linear, with deoxygenated blood carrying more CO2 than oxygenated blood at a given PCO2. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the process of carbon dioxide transport, what is the role of carbonic anhydrase (CA) in red blood cells?

CA catalyzes the conversion of HCO3- to CO2 in red blood cells. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which carbon dioxide is transported in oxygenated blood?

Bicarbonate (HCO3-) in plasma (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT promote oxygen loading onto hemoglobin in the alveoli?

Decreased temperature (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the process of gas exchange, what is the primary role of the chloride shift?

To maintain electrical neutrality during the exchange of HCO3- and H+ across the red blood cell membrane (B) Signup and view all the answers