What factors influence the amount of gas exchange occurring at the respiratory membrane? Include the following in your answer : , , mucus, and surfactant
What will be an ideal response?
The amount of gas exchange in the lungs depends on the concentration gradients for O2 and CO2 in the alveoli and the blood within capillaries around the alveoli. Since is higher in the alveoli than in the blood, O2 diffuses into the blood; and since is higher in the blood than in the alveoli, CO2 diffuses into the alveoli. Accumulation of mucus in the alveoli increases the distance that these gases must travel between the blood and alveoli, thus decreasing the rate of gas exchange. Surfactant helps keep alveolar walls from sticking together; thus, the alveoli inflate easily and this allows gas exchange to occur more efficiently.
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