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Why does each of the alveoli have a thin lining that helps speed up the process of gas exchange?
Wiki User
∙ 16y ago
Membrane between the alveoli and pulmonary capillaries is called as respiratory membrane. It is thin and has minute pathways between the two sides. This ensures fast mechanism of exchange of gases. Also the surface area is increased due to which gas exchange is maximised.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Michelle Elaine
Wiki User
∙ 16y agoYou have already answered your own question! The thin lining of the alveoli helps to speed up gas exchange. Oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules cross the wall (lining) of the alveoli by diffusion. The rate of diffusion depends on the distance which the molecules have to diffuse: a larger distance means slower diffusion. So by making the lining thin the distance which the gas molecules must diffuse is reduced, so the rate of diffusion is speeded up. For a simple description of gas exchange see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/Biology/humansasorganisms/2breathingrev3.shtml For a more advanced discussion see: http://www.pdh-odp.co.uk/diffusion.htm
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoGases can dissolve easily
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∙ 11y agohead on
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What is the function of the surface of fluid lining the alveolar?
The fluid lining the inner alveolar membrane is called surfactant. It helps reduce the surface tension in the alveoli, which prevents them from collapsing in on themselves every time we exhale.
The tiny hollow air sacs where oxygen exchange occurs?
Alveoli (posh name for air sacs) have very thin walls with an excellent blood supply due to a large network of capillaries. This means that a concentration gradient is maintained allowing for maximum diffusion in and out of the blood of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Alveoli have elasticated walls so when we breathe out this helps push air out of the lungs more effectively. There are hundreds of alveoli, closely packed giving a large surface area over which gases can diffuse (rather than one huge air sac where there is alot of air not in contact with the walls)
Why is there large surface area for the alveoli?
The function of alveuli is to provide a surface for gas exchange. Therefore, a large surface area means that there is a lot of area for the gas exchange to take place. Therefore it is to improve efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs (exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen). The large surface area is due to the shape of the alveoli- the have many small "pockets".
How are the lungs adapted to their function?
Air sacs and alveoli have a high surface volume to ratio. This basically means that because of their structure / the abundance of them, they are easily able to exchange gases such as the absorption of oxygen.Basically, the structure of them means there is lots of surface for gases to exchange through, making the process quicker and more efficient.Hope this helped =)
How lungs keep carbon dioxide concentrationdown to certain levels?
lungs contain a special sac like organ known as alveoli which helps in mantaining CO2 and O2 level in the body by diffusing them from the blood to the alveoli and alveoli to the blood respectively
Alveoli are part of what organ?
lungs and helps in gaseous exchange.
Tiny air sacs in the lungs?
They're called alveoli, they increase your lung's surface area and operate the exchange of gasses in and out of your blood. hope that helps.
What is the function of the surface of fluid lining the alveolar?
The fluid lining the inner alveolar membrane is called surfactant. It helps reduce the surface tension in the alveoli, which prevents them from collapsing in on themselves every time we exhale.
The tiny hollow air sacs where oxygen exchange occurs?
Alveoli (posh name for air sacs) have very thin walls with an excellent blood supply due to a large network of capillaries. This means that a concentration gradient is maintained allowing for maximum diffusion in and out of the blood of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Alveoli have elasticated walls so when we breathe out this helps push air out of the lungs more effectively. There are hundreds of alveoli, closely packed giving a large surface area over which gases can diffuse (rather than one huge air sac where there is alot of air not in contact with the walls)
What is the scientific name for lung cells?
Pneumocyte. There are two types: Type I cells make up the lining of the air sacks (alveoli) in the lung, type II cells produce a slick liquid called surfactant that helps coat the alveoli and keep them from collapsing when we exhale.
How bubbles in lungs break?
which bubbles ? i think u r talking about air sacks called as alveoli which helps in exchange of gases in our lungs
What are the small air sacs in the lungs?
These small sac like structure are known as the alveoli . The alveoli help in the exchange of the gases, oxygen & carbon-dioxide,Lungs contain alveoli to increase the surface area and to easily transport oxygen to the blood vessels which surrounds the air sacs. Also, the air sacs have a thin film of oxygen which helps to absorb oxygen quickly.
How does a good blood supply in the lungs helps gas exchange to happen quickly?
The feature of a good blood supply helps gas exchange because it switches with the carbon dioxide and oxygen which helps the process to happen quicker.
Why is there large surface area for the alveoli?
The function of alveuli is to provide a surface for gas exchange. Therefore, a large surface area means that there is a lot of area for the gas exchange to take place. Therefore it is to improve efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs (exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen). The large surface area is due to the shape of the alveoli- the have many small "pockets".
How are the lungs adapted to their function?
Air sacs and alveoli have a high surface volume to ratio. This basically means that because of their structure / the abundance of them, they are easily able to exchange gases such as the absorption of oxygen.Basically, the structure of them means there is lots of surface for gases to exchange through, making the process quicker and more efficient.Hope this helped =)
Describe structure and function of alveoli?
Its structure is that of a balloon, and that helps it function during inhalation because it opens up to allow air to make contact with a large area to perform gas exchange. The structure of the alveoli is that there are blood vessels wrapping around them. Then, oxygenin from the alveoli can enter the blood. The blood will give oxygen to all the body's tissues, and later, in the alveoli, carbon dioxide or CO2 can leave the blood and be exhaled. So, together, the alveoli, wrapped up by blood vessels, can bring oxygen to the rest of the body and also get rid of all the carbon dioxide.
The respiratory system is responsible for the exchange of what?
In the respiratory system, we see the exchange of gases. In this gas exchange, carbon dioxide (CO2) leaves the blood and goes into air in the lungs, and oxygen (O2) leaves the air in the lungs and goes into the blood. It is this gas exchange, which occurs in the alveoli, that permits oxygenation of the blood and keeps us alive.
