Home
/
Biology
/
Describe how the alveoli are adapted for gas exchange. (2 marks) square

Question

Describe how the alveoli are adapted for gas exchange.
(2 marks)
square

Describe how the alveoli are adapted for gas exchange. (2 marks) square

expert verifiedVerification of experts

Answer

4.1347 Voting
avatar
DouglasAdvanced · Tutor for 1 years

Answer

The alveoli are adapted for gas exchange through their large surface area, thin walls, and moist surfaces.

Explain

The alveoli are specifically adapted for the process of gas exchange in several ways. <br /><br />1. Large Surface Area: Alveoli are numerous and tiny, providing a vast surface area for gas exchange. This large surface area facilitates the exchange of a large amount of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the alveoli and the surrounding capillaries.<br /><br />2. Thin Walls: The walls of the alveoli are extremely thin, often only one cell thick. This minimal thickness reduces the distance that gases must travel to pass between the alveoli and the blood in the capillaries, thus speeding up the process of gas exchange.<br /><br />3. Moist Surfaces: Contrary to dry surfaces, the interior of the alveoli is moist. This is because gases can only diffuse when they are dissolved in water. The moisture in the alveoli helps to dissolve the gases and facilitate their diffusion.<br /><br />Therefore, the alveoli are adapted for gas exchange through their large surface area, thin walls, and moist surfaces.
Click to rate:

Hot Questions

More x