How are alveoli designed for maximum exchange of gases ?
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The alveoli (microscopic air sacs) in the lungs are adapted to maximize gas exchange - the membrane is thin and the blood capillaries are close to the membrane, so the distance for diffusion of gases is very small. There is also a large amount of carbon dioxidein the bloodaround the alveoli and a large amount of oxygen inside the alveolus, so the concentration gradient encourages oxygen to diffuse in and the carbon dioxide to diffuse out. There are also millions of alveoli in the lungs, which gives the lungs a large surface area for diffusion and a large capacity for air.
They are
thin, moist membrane (allows gas diffusion) and large surface area (maximizes rates of diffusion).
1. large surface area. There are many alveoli and the shape allows for a high surface area. This is significant because it allows gas exchange to occur simultaneously over a large area.
2. high concentration of red blood cells. This allows for easy transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide since all the cells are simultaneously carrying these gases.