12 Questions
What structures in the respiratory system are well adapted to enable the passage of air into the lungs?
Bronchioles
Which component of the respiratory system helps in preventing lung infection by moving mucus towards the throat?
Ciliated epithelium
What role does cartilage play in the respiratory system?
Preventing the lungs from collapsing during exhalation
Which part of the respiratory system contains only the larger bronchioles and is composed of smooth muscle and elastic fibres?
Bronchi
During which stage of ventilation do the external intercostal muscles contract?
Inspiration
What is the main function of smooth muscle in the respiratory system?
Control airflow by constricting the airway
Why do multicellular organisms require specialised exchange surfaces for efficient gas exchange?
Due to a higher surface area to volume ratio causing a longer distance for substances to cross.
What feature of an efficient exchange surface helps ensure a short distance for substances to cross?
Large surface area
Why do exchange surfaces require a good blood supply or ventilation?
To maintain a steep gradient for efficient exchange.
What is the function of the diaphragm in the mammalian gaseous exchange system?
To raise and lower the ribcage during breathing.
Which structure in the mammalian gaseous exchange system helps prevent friction between the rib cage and lungs?
Diaphragm
In what way does a larger surface area benefit efficient gas exchange?
It allows for a shorter distance for substances to cross.
Learn about the need for specialised exchange surfaces in multicellular organisms to maintain efficient gas exchange. Understand how the size of an organism and its surface area to volume ratio influence the requirement for specialised exchange surfaces.
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