What process controls the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between alveolar air and the blood?
What process controls the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between alveolar air and the blood?
Diffusion is the spontaneous movement of gases, without the use of any energy or effort by the body, between the alveoli and the capillaries in the lungs. Perfusion is the process by which the cardiovascular system pumps blood throughout the lungs.
What is the exchange of gases between the alveolar air and the blood called?
Every few seconds, with each inhalation, air fills a large portion of the millions of alveoli. In a process called diffusion, oxygen moves from the alveoli to the blood through the capillaries (tiny blood vessels) lining the alveolar walls.
Is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide across the alveolar membrane?
The purpose of the respiratory system is to perform gas exchange. Pulmonary ventilation provides air to the alveoli for this gas exchange process. At the respiratory membrane, where the alveolar and capillary walls meet, gases move across the membranes, with oxygen entering the bloodstream and carbon dioxide exiting.
What factors affect the rate of diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide?
Factors That Affect The Rate of Diffusion
- Membrane thickness – the thinner the membrane, the faster the rate of diffusion.
- Membrane surface area – the larger the surface area, the faster the rate of diffusion.
- Pressure difference across the membrane.
- Diffusion coefficient of the gas.
How are oxygen and carbon dioxide exchanged in the respiratory system?
Gas Exchange Between Alveolar Spaces and Capillaries. The function of the respiratory system is to exchange two gases: oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Where does the gas exchange take place in the alveoli?
Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli where oxygen is exchanged with carbon dioxide between the alveoli and the blood in the capillaries. This is driven by the change in partial pressure from the alveoli to the capillaries.
What happens to partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli?
When ventilation is sufficient, oxygen enters the alveoli at a high rate, and the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli remains high. In contrast, when ventilation is insufficient, the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli drops.
How is the RQ related to the alveolar pO2?
The RQ is a key factor because it is used to calculate the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveolar spaces within the lung: the alveolar PO2 (P ALV O 2 ). The lungs never fully deflate with an exhalation; therefore, the inspired air mixes with this residual air, lowering the partial pressure of oxygen within the alveoli.