GAS EXCHANGE

The Human Respiratory System

Are the human lungs identical?

No, the right lung is shorter than the left by 1 inch; however,
its total capacity is greater. The right lung has three lobes, the
left lung has two. The maximum capacity of the lung averages
about 6,500 cubic centimeters (cc) or 1.7 gallons (6.4 liters).
A. Respiration - has two definitions
1) The release of energy from nutrients

2) The Gas Exchange of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide between

the organism and the environment.
Respiratory Surface Requirements:

1) surface must be thin walled so that diffusion across it can

occur rapidly
2) surface must be moist because the Oxygen and Carbon-
Dioxide must be in a solution
3) surface must be in contact with a source of Oxygen that
exists in the surroundings
4) surface must be in contact w/ the transport system that
carries dissolved materials to & from the cells of the organism
a) SKIN is respiratory surface which must be kept moist for
oxygen to dissolve in & diffuse across the skin

b) skin secretes mucus which facilitates the diffusion of gases

into & out of blood

c) hemoglobin- respiratory pigment proteins in blood that

increases oxygen & carbon dioxide carrying capacity
 Human Respiratory System
a) alveoli
(respiratory surface) in the lungs are thin, moist, internal gas
exchange surface
b) hemoglobin aids in the transport of oxygen

THE FLOW OF AIR

Nasal Cavity
The nasal cavity is exposed to the air through the nostrils
which is lined with a ciliated mucous membrane which
filters, warms, and moistens the air.
Pharynx

The pharynx is the area in which the oral cavity & nasal cavity
meet. Food is prevented from entering the trachea by the
epiglottis

Trachea
The trachea is kept open by rings of cartilage. The ciliated
mucous membrane which lines the trachea traps microscopic
particles & sweeps them toward the bronchi. Deposits from
cigarette smoke & other atmospheric pollutants may interfere
with the action of cilia.
 Bronchi
The 2 major subdivisions of the trachea are the bronchi. The
bronchi are lined with mucous membrane & ringed with
cartilage. Each bronchus extends into a lung where it
subdivides many times forming progressively smaller
bronchioles.
Bronchioles
Bronchioles are lined with mucous membrane but lack
cartilage rings and no cilia present. Tiny bronchioles terminate
with the alveoli.
Alveoli

Alveoli are the functional units for gas exchange. They are
thin, moist, & surrounded by capillaries. In humans,
oxyhemoglobin is in highest concentration in the capillaries of
alveoli.

Lung
Each bronchus with its bronchioles and alveoli is called a
lung.
 PHASES of HUMAN RESPIRATION
1. Breathing:
bringing air into & out of lungs
(2 PHASES)
Inhalation (inspiration)-
1. diaphragm pulled down

Active phase
2. ribs pulled up & out

3. (-) pressure causes air to fill lungs

Exhalation (expiration)-
1. diaphragm relaxes, comes up

Passive phase
2. ribs relax, drop down & in

3. (+) pressure forces air out of lungs

Breathing rate is affected by carbon dioxide level (NOT the

AMOUNT of OXYGEN) in blood & its affect on the
respiratory center of the brain. Also, the acidity of the blood
(caused by lactic acid) stimulates the respiratory center.
2. External Respiration:

exchange of gases between air & blood in the alveoli

3. Circulation:
bringing respiratory gases to different parts of body

4. Internal Respiration

exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide between blood & body

cells
 DISEASES of RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
1. Asthma
- severe allergic reaction that constricts bronchioles
2. Bronchitis-
inflammation of bronchial tubes
3. Emphysema
- lungs lose elasticity, shortness of breath
4. Pneumonia-
fluid in alveoli
5. Lung Cancer
- tumors form in lungs
* Smokers are at greater risk for # 2, 3, & 5 *
2. Why does the human voice sound so strange after breathing
helium?
Since the speed of sound in helium is nearly three times the
speed of sound in air, the pitch of the human voice becomes
correspondingly higher.