Lungs & Gas Exchange Exam Questions

1. The table below describes some of the features of the mammalian gas exchange system.

Complete the table by explaining how each feature improves the efficiency of gaseous
exchange. The first one has been completed for you.

feature of gas exchange how feature improves efficiency of gaseous exchange

system

many alveoli this increases the surface across which oxygen and
carbon dioxide can diffuse

the epithelium of the alveoli is This decreases the distance of which the gases have
very thin to travel from the bloodstream.

there are capillaries running The capillaries are one cell thick, which means they
over the surface of the alveoli have a short diffusion distance.

the lungs are surrounded by  The diaphragm flattens out and pulls forward, drawing
the diaphragm and intercostal air into the lungs for inhalation. During exhalation
muscles the diaphragm expands to force air out of the lungs.
This brings oxygen into the lungs and removes carbon
dioxide.

[Total 3 marks]

2. Outline how the diaphragm and intercostal muscles cause inspiration.

..The diaphragm and the intercostal muscles contract that lifts the thorax which means the lungs
will have lower pressure than the atmosphere. That causes the air to go into the lungs
therefore completing insipiration
[Total 4 marks]

3. The lungs in the mammalian body are well developed to allow effective exchange of gases.

Describe the features of the lungs that make them effective organs for the exchange of gases.

In your answer, you should use appropriate technical terms, spelled correctly.
[Total 5 marks]
Alveoli
The alveoli are the location of gas exchange in the lungs. They have several adaptations that make the
diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the blood more efficient.

Surface Area
Many parts of the lungs, including the alveoli, are folded. This creates more surface area, which maximises
gas exchange rates.

Capillaries

The lungs are well supplied with blood due to lots of capillaries covering the alveoli, constantly maintaining
a large diffusion gradient. They are also one-cell thick which allows for a faster diffusion.

4. In this question, one mark is available for the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
 Describe how the tissues in the gaseous exchange system contribute to the functioning of the
lungs.

The elasticity of the tissue of the lungs allow them to expand and accommodate the air into the lungs.

The trachea and the bronchi contribute to gaseous exchange. The outer layer is made of Cartilage.
This is relatively rigid (more than muscle, less than bone) and supports the trachea and bronchi,
preventing them from collapsing when the air pressure inside them is low after expiration. The
cartilage does not form a complete ring. This allows some flexibility.

The smooth muscle on the in the bronchi allows the Lumen to constrict, by contracting. This is

useful if there are harmful substances in the air, as is minimizes the amount of the substances that
can be breathed in.

[8]
Quality of Written Communication [1]
[Total 9 marks]

5. Mammals exchange respiratory gases via their lungs, whose surface area is greatly enlarged by
the presence of many alveoli.

Below is a diagram showing part of the wall of an alveolus and an associated capillary.

w a t e r f ilm e p ith e liu m

a lv e o la r o f a lv e o lu s
a ir s p a c e

p la s m a

r e d b lo o d c e ll

e n d o th e liu m
o f c a p illa r y

Describe the mechanism by which oxygen gets from point X on the diagram to the red blood
cells.
Diffusion occurs. This is when oxygen moves down a concentration gradient (from an area of high concentration to an
area of low concentration).
It goes into solution in the water film (dissolves). There after it crosses the wall of alveolus and enters the red blood
cells.

[Total 2 marks]
6. Many small animals rely on diffusion across outer surfaces of their bodies for gas exchange.
Mammals have lungs for gas exchange. The diagram below shows the structure of part of a
mammalian lung and associated airways.

Taken from 'Advanced Human Biology' by J. Simpkins and J.I. Williams

Fig 12.21, p233 (ISBN 0713527692)

(a) (i) Name structure X.

alveolus
[1]

(ii) Describe the process by which gases are exchanged at X.

the gasses move down a gradient, from an area of high to an area of low concentration.
oxygen is at a higher concentration in the thorax
The oxygen then dissolves in the water film and moves across a short diffusion path
The reverse gradient is however applied for carbon dioxide
Overall, a steep gradient is still preserved

[3]

(b) Explain why mammals have large numbers of structure X in their lungs.
Because mammals NEED for more oxygen due to high metabolic activity
Cannot exchange across outer surface such as the stomata (in plants), hence why need a large surface area to
exchange gases within the body.
High demand for carbon dioxide excretion (link to metabolic activity).
Because mammals have a larger Surface Area to Volume ratio

[2]
[Total 6 marks]