Respiratory System and Gas Exchange

Front

What is diffusion in the context of gas exchange?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of gases from an area of high concentration to an area of lower concentration, such as oxygen moving from alveoli into the capillaries.

Front

How does CO2 move during gas exchange?

Back

CO2 moves from capillaries to the alveoli because there is a higher partial pressure of CO2 in the capillaries than in the alveoli.

Front

What is the composition of the air we breathe?

Back

The air is composed of 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, 0.04% CO2, and other gases.

Front

What are the relative percentages of gases inside the lungs?

Back

Inside the lungs, the relative percentage of oxygen is 16%, CO2 is 4%, and nitrogen remains unchanged.

Front

Explain the partial pressure of oxygen in the lungs and capillaries.

Back

The partial pressure of oxygen is higher in the alveoli and lower in the capillaries, causing oxygen to diffuse into the bloodstream.

Front

Explain the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the lungs and capillaries.

Back

The partial pressure of carbon dioxide is higher in the capillaries and lower in the alveoli, causing CO2 to diffuse into the alveoli.

Front

What is vital capacity?

Back

Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air that can be breathed out after inhaling as much air as possible.

Front

What is breathing frequency (f)?

Back

Breathing frequency is the number of breaths taken per minute.

Front

What is tidal volume (TV)?

Back

Tidal volume is the amount of air inhaled with each normal breath.

Front

What is minute ventilation (VE)?

Back

Minute ventilation is the total volume of air entering the lungs in a minute, calculated as VE = BR × TV.