Chapter XI - Gas exchange in humans

Ventilation in lungs
The trachea is supported by rings of cartilage to ensure it is kept open

The ribs protect the heart and lungs and move for ventilation

When we breathe, our lungs do not expand to push out the ribs

Ribs and diaphragm control the air in the lungs

Inhalation Inhalation
1. Diaphragm contracts, pulling downwards 1. Diaphragm relaxes, moves upwards

2. External intercostal muscles contract 2. External intercostal muscles relax

Pulls ribs outwards and upwards Pulls ribs downwward

3. Thoracic cavity volume increases 3. Thoracic cavity volume decreases

Pressure decreases, air rushes in Pressure increases, air rushes out

The internal intercostal muscles work antagonistically

to external intercostal muscles

Only integral when forcing exhalation/inhalation

Gas exchange surfaces Breathing rate and excersise

Large surface area made possible by the millions of As we excersise, we require more oxygen to be
alveoli in the lungs delivered to our cells

Short diffusion distance made possible by a thin 1. Rate of respiration increases

epithelium in the alveoli
2. Pulse rate increases to pump oxygenated blood
One cell thin and glucose to cells

Good blood supply made possible by the network of 3. Breathing rate increases to inhale more O2 into
capillaries surrounding the alveoli the body and to remove CO2

This allows for a steep concentration gradient

Composition of air
Ventilation made possible by the lung structure
Inspired air/% Expired air/%
High concentrations of O2 comes into the lungs
Oxygen 21 16
High concentrations of CO2 goes out of the lungs Carbon dioxide 0.04 4

Nitrogen 78 78
Ciliated and Goblet cells
Water vapour Variable Saturated
Ciliated cells line the trachea and bronchi

Goblet cells secrete mucus to trap pathogens and Oxygen - very inefficient closed gas exchange system;
foreign particles as they stick to the mucus oxygen is taken in

The ciliated cells uses its cilia to waft the mucus Carbon dioxide - a waste product that must exit the

containing pathogens away from the lungs body

Water - variable depends on humidity; water lining the

alveoli may evaportate and be expired