Gas Exchange in Humans

Dr. Priti Paralikar

Introduction
• The surfaces where gas exchange occurs in an organism are
very different and different organisms have evolved different
mechanisms for getting the gases to the gas exchange surface
depending on size, where they live etc.
• All gas exchange surfaces have features in common
• These features allow the maximum amount of gases to be
exchanged across the surface in the smallest amount of time
• They include:
– Large surface area to allow faster diffusion of gases across
the surface
– Thin walls to ensure diffusion distances remain short
– Good ventilation with air so that diffusion gradients can
be maintained
– Good blood supply to maintain a high concentration
gradient so diffusion occurs faster
Structure of Lung
The Intercostal Muscles

• Muscles are only able to pull on bones, not push on them

• This means that there must be two sets of intercostal muscles;

one to pull the rib cage up and another set to pull it down

• One set of intercostal muscles is found on the outside of the

ribcage (the external intercostal muscles)

• The other set is found on the inside of the rib cage (the
internal intercostal muscles)
Gaseous exchange
• Gaseous exchange refers to the exchange of oxygen and
carbon dioxide, which takes place between the air and the
blood vessels in the lungs.

• Gas exchange in the lungs happens in the alveoli. Some of the

features of alveoli include:

➢ thin walls (just one cell thick)

➢ large surface area

➢ moist surface

➢ many blood capillaries

Ventilation of the lungs

• The movement of air into and out of the lungs, called

ventilation, renews the oxygen supply in the lungs and
removes the surplus carbon dioxide.

• Horseshoe-shaped hoops of cartilage are present in the

trachea and bronchi to prevent them collapsing when we
breathe in.

• The lungs contain no muscle fibres and are made to expand

and contract by movements of the ribs and diaphragm.
Differences between Inhaled & Exhaled Air
• Air that is breathed in and air that is breathed out has
different amounts of gases in it due to exchanges that take
place in the alveoli
• Atmospheric air contains around 20 – 21% oxygen, of which
we only absorb around 4 – 5%, breathing out air containing
around 16% oxygen
• Normal carbon dioxide content of air is around 0.04% and, as
carbon dioxide diffuses into the alveoli from the blood, we
breathe out air containing around 4% carbon dioxide
• We also breathe out air containing more water vapour than
the air we breathe in, and the temperature of exhaled air is
higher than inhaled air
Reasons for Differences in Inhaled & Exhaled Air
 Protection of the gas exchange system from
pathogens and particles
• Pathogens are present in the air we breathe in
and are potentially dangerous of not actively
removed.
• There are two types of cells that provide
mechanisms to help achieve this.
– Goblet Cell
– Ciliated cell
Goblet cells

• Goblet cells are found in the epithelial lining of the trachea,

bronchi and some bronchioles of the respiratory tract.

• Their role is to secrete mucus.

• The mucus forms a thin film over the internal lining.

• This sticky liquid traps pathogens and small particles,

preventing them from entering the alveoli where they could
cause infection or physical damage.
Ciliated cells
• Ciliated cells are also present in the epithelial lining of the
respiratory tract.

• They are in a continually flicking motion to move the mucus,

secreted by the goblet cells, upwards and away from the
lungs.

• When the mucus reaches the top of the trachea, it passes

down the gullet during normal swallowing.