Question

How does the exchange of gases occur in the tissues?

Answer 1

Exchange of gases in tissues:

1. Gas exchange occurs in tissue based on several factors such as tissue surface area, partial pressure gradients, and perfusion via the tissues.
2. Respiration is a crucial mechanism for gas exchange.
3. Hemoglobin in blood has a high affinity for oxygen and thus carries oxygen in red blood cells.
4. The heme in hemoglobin can bind to oxygen and thus carries four oxygen molecules.
5. The blood then transports oxygen carried by hemoglobin to other body tissues.
6. Carbon dioxide is more soluble in water and thus is carried in the blood in a dissolved form.
7. Oxygen diffuses into the tissue whereas carbon dioxide diffuses out of the tissue into the bloodstream.
8. Carbon dioxide present in the blood combines with water molecules to form carbonic acid when the rate of respiration increases.