Question:- The purpose of the respiratory system is gas exchange with the blood. Where does a gas exchange take place?
Answer
In the respiratory system, gas exchange occurs in alveoli. Alveoli are small air sacs situated at the end of bronchioles in lungs. The air that is inhaled through the nose or mouth goes down the trachea and into bronchial tubes of lungs. These tubes further subdivide into successively smaller bronchioles that end in clusters of alveoli. Gas exchange with the blood takes place across these thin walls of alveoli. Oxygen diffuses from the air in these alveoli into adjacent capillaries where it combines with hemoglobin contained within red blood cells. However, carbon dioxide passes out of the capillaries and into the alveoli for expiration from the body. The numerous alveoli with a large surface area provide enough space for the quick diffusion of gases, which is necessary to maintain homeostasis . Therefore, in conclusion, the alveoli are where gas exchange occurs between lungs and blood.
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