Oxygen of course is needed for the process of aerobic respiration that is happening in every cell all the time. Aerobic respiration produces carbon dioxide as a waste product. Carbon dioxide diffuses out the blood in the lungs into the air in the lungs. Hence the name gas exchange — one gas oxygen diffuses in, another carbon dioxide diffuses out. This diagram above shows the bronchial tree — the branching network of tubes that carry air into the lungs.
The trachea at the top branches into the right and left bronchi, then each in turn branch into smaller bronchi and finally into the smallest tubes called bronchioles. Bronchioles carry air into a cluster of tiny airsacs called alveoli not ravioli as AZB told his F division today….
Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules of a liquid or gas from a high concentration to a low concentration. So the first question is what ensures that there is an appropriate concentration gradient for each gas to diffuse?
In order to understand this, you have to remember that the blood going to the lungs is deoxygenated. The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs in the pulmonary arteries.
The tiny alveoli are then covered with capillaries and these join together to form the pulmonary veins. Respiratory surfaces In humans Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli which are found in the lungs. Adaptations of the alveoli: Large surface area - many alveoli are present in the lungs with a shape that further increases surface area.
Thin walls - alveolar walls are one cell thick providing gases with a short diffusion distance. For instance, there is a marked increase in the rate of ventilation and pulmonary blood flow. The trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles also become wider to allow more air to flow into the lungs.
Surface Area Many parts of the lungs, including the alveoli, are folded. This creates more surface area, which maximises gas exchange rates. Ventilation The lungs are well-ventilated, so that a new supply of air is constantly brought in. This is critical for maintaining the concentration gradients that make gas exchange possible. Essentially, carbon dioxide diffuses from an area of its higher concentration the blood to one of its lower lungs.
Oxygen does the opposite. Centers for Disease Control, tobacco smoke injures your lungs and leads to lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD , emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.
Tobacco damage is cumulative. Indoor pollution from secondhand smoke, mold, dust, household chemicals, radon, or asbestos can damage your lungs and worsen existing lung disease. Chronic smoking is a known cause of lung disease.
Other causes include genetics, infections, or compromised immune systems. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer can also contribute to lung disease. Sometimes the cause of lung disease is unknown. Lung disease has many types, all of which affect your breathing. Here are some common lung diseases:. The normal aging process can slow down your respiratory system. You may notice that your lung capacity is lessened, or that your chest muscles are weaker.
Read more about growing older and your lung health. Use an air cleaner or purifier at work or at home to reduce indoor dust and fumes. On days when the air quality index AQI is at an unhealthy range, keep your exposure minimal by keeping doors and windows closed and circulating air inside.
You can also check out blogs for people trying to quit. The respiratory system with its millions of alveoli is a complex machine. We just breathe in and out in the normal course of our day. Breathing exercises to increase lung capacity may be a good place to start.
Here are five pieces of advice to maintain optimal lung health and breathing capacity, from staying far away from cigarettes to adopting a consistent…. Lung conditions like COPD can significantly reduce lung function and your ability to breathe comfortably.
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