Question

How does surface area of membrane affect the rate of diffusion in lungs?

Answer 1

Rate of diffusion in lungs:

1. Lung diffusion refers to your capacity to transfer oxygen from the lungs' air sacs into your blood and to transfer carbon dioxide (CO2) back into your lungs from your blood.
2. The rate of diffusion in the lungs is affected by many factors, one of which is the surface area of the membrane.
3. The larger the surface area, the faster the rate of diffusion.
4. Normally, the lungs possess a large surface area for the exchange of gases because of alveoli.
5. Ailments such as emphysema cause disruption of the architecture of the alveoli resulting in the formation of the large air-filled spaces called bullae.
6. This decreases the available surface area, slowing the pace of the exchange of gases.