List and explain the factors that influence gas diffusion in the lungs.

What will be an ideal response?


Concentration gradient, surface area, membrane thickness, and diffusion distance are the four factors. Increasing the concentration gradient and surface area will increase the rate of diffusion across the lungs while increasing membrane thickness and diffusion distance will decrease the rate of diffusion in the lungs. This is discussed in the "Diffusion and Solubility of Gases" section of the chapter.

Anatomy & Physiology

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During exercise, the blood flow to the active skeletal muscles is increased by autoregulation. How does this work? What other controls on blood flow operate?

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As the triggering event gets stronger, what type of gated channels open up more frequently or for longer duration?

a. calcium channels b. sodium channels c. potassium channels d. oxygen channels e. water channels

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If two cranial bones are joined by overlapping beveled edges they are adjoined by which type of suture?

A. Lap B. Serrate C. Butt D. Plane

Anatomy & Physiology