How do our lungs know which gas to inhale or exhale from a number of gases present in the atmosphere ?

Open in App

Solution

We have no selective mechanism to inhale only oxygen. In the terminal region of lungs, the alveoli, an exchange of gases takes place. The Haemoglobin in RBCs has more affinity for this oxygen present(Due to the iron contained in the Haemoglobin) than other gases in the inhaled air and it is immediately absorbed. The remaining gases are inert (with respect to the blood's constituents) which are sent out during exhalation. Carbon monoxide has more affinity than oxygen . Thats the reason why its dangerous to smoke CO. It can even lead to death.

Suggest Corrections

Similar questions

Q. How much air do we exhale? We exhale

C O_{2}

that we just inhaled; we also exhale

C O_{2}

that is brought by blood vessels to our lungs; What about other gasses that are present in the atmosphere?

When we inhale, we take air into our lungs. what do we breathe out during exhalation? options A :carbon dioxide option B: Nitrogen option C:Oxygen option

D: a mixture of gases that has more carbon dioxide than inhaled air optionE: a and c

Q. How do our lungs separate oxygen and other gases?
What is so special about our lungs that they seperate oxygen and other gases?

Q. During inhalation, we take in air containing many gases but our body uses only oxygen. Which is the gas that is exhaled out?

Q. Lungs expand and contract while we inhale and exhale air during breathing.The force involved in this activity is called

Join BYJU'S Learning Program