StudyXY
RegisterLog in
Back to AI Flashcard MakerBiology /Biology IB HL - 6.4 Gas Exchange Part 4

Biology IB HL - 6.4 Gas Exchange Part 4

Biology25 CardsCreated about 1 month ago

This deck covers key concepts related to gas exchange in the human respiratory system, focusing on the structure and function of alveoli, pneumocytes, and the mechanics of ventilation.

PrintEmbedImportReport

How does the spherical shape of alveoli help in gas exchange?

They are roughly spherical in shape, in order to maximise the available surface area for gas exchange.
Tap or swipe ↕ to flip
Swipe ←→Navigate
1/25

Key Terms

Term
Definition
How does the spherical shape of alveoli help in gas exchange?
They are roughly spherical in shape, in order to maximise the available surface area for gas exchange.
Why is the internal surface of capillaries covered with a layer of fluid?
Their internal surface is covered with a layer of fluid, as dissolved gases are better able to diffuse into the bloodstream.
What shape are type I pneumocytes?
They are squamous (flattened) in shape and extremely thin (~ 0.15µm) – minimising diffusion distance for respiratory gases.
What connects type I pneumocytes?
Type I pneumocytes are connected by occluding junctions, which prevents the leakage of tissue fluid into the alveolar air space.
How can more type I pneumocytes be produced?
Type I pneumocytes are amitotic and unable to replicate, however type II cells can differentiate into type I cells if required.
What shape are type II pneumocytes?
They are cuboidal in shape and possess many granules (for storing surfactant components).
Log in to view all terms

Related Flashcard Decks

Biology

A-LEVEL PE (OCR): PAPER 3 - Ethics and Deviance in Sport

These flashcards describe key performance-enhancing methods, including blood doping—a technique used to increase red blood cell count and oxygen-carrying capacity, commonly by endurance athletes—and anabolic steroids, which boost strength, aggression, and training capacity. They highlight how these methods aim to enhance performance, often through artificial physiological manipulation.

21 cards
View Deck
Biology

A-LEVEL PE (OCR): PAPER 1 - Energy for Exercise

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts of cellular energy, including ATP as the primary energy source for muscular contraction, the role of the enzyme ATPase in ATP breakdown, and the definition of exothermic reactions that release energy. They provide a concise overview of how energy is produced and utilized in biological systems.

47 cards
View Deck
Biology

3MB Psychiatry: Neurobiology of Mood

This flashcard set explains the brain’s appetitive (approach) and aversive (defensive) mood systems, describing how they drive behaviour toward reward or avoidance of threat, and identifies the key neurotransmitters associated with each—dopamine for approach and serotonin for avoidance.

8 cards
View Deck
Biology

Psychology - Chapter 3 Biological Psychology Part 3

This deck covers key concepts from Chapter 3 of Biological Psychology, focusing on brain structures and their functions, including the occipital lobe, limbic system, brain stem, and nervous systems.

23 cards
View Deck
Biology

Psychology - Chapter 3 Biological Psychology Part 2

This flashcard deck covers key concepts from Chapter 3 of Biological Psychology, focusing on neurotransmitters, brain structures, and their functions.

25 cards
View Deck
Biology

Animal Behaviour - Applied Cat Ethology

In applied cat ethology, behavioural genetics are primarily inherited through the paternal line. This means certain behavioural traits, such as temperament or sociability, can be strongly influenced by the genetics of the sire (father).

56 cards
View Deck

Study Tips

  • Press F to enter focus mode for distraction-free studying
  • Review cards regularly to improve retention
  • Try to recall the answer before flipping the card
  • Share this deck with friends to study together
Biology IB HL - 6.4 Gas Exchange Part 4
TermDefinition
How does the spherical shape of alveoli help in gas exchange?
They are roughly spherical in shape, in order to maximise the available surface area for gas exchange.
Why is the internal surface of capillaries covered with a layer of fluid?
Their internal surface is covered with a layer of fluid, as dissolved gases are better able to diffuse into the bloodstream.
What shape are type I pneumocytes?
They are squamous (flattened) in shape and extremely thin (~ 0.15µm) – minimising diffusion distance for respiratory gases.
What connects type I pneumocytes?
Type I pneumocytes are connected by occluding junctions, which prevents the leakage of tissue fluid into the alveolar air space.
How can more type I pneumocytes be produced?
Type I pneumocytes are amitotic and unable to replicate, however type II cells can differentiate into type I cells if required.
What shape are type II pneumocytes?
They are cuboidal in shape and possess many granules (for storing surfactant components).
What is surface tension?
Surface tension is the elastic force created by a fluid surface that minimises the surface area (via cohesion of liquid molecules).
Give 2 steps of how surfactant helps reduce surface tension?
As an alveoli expands with gas intake, the surfactant becomes more spread out across the moist alveolar lining. This increases surface tension and slows the rate of expansion, ensuring all alveoli inflate at roughly the same rate.
What can the degradation of alveoli in emphysema also lead to in terms of surface area?
The loss of elasticity results in the abnormal enlargement of the alveoli, leading to a lower total surface area for gas exchange.
How may the structure of alveoli be affected in emphysema?
The degradation of the alveolar walls can cause holes to develop and alveoli to merge into huge air spaces (pulmonary bullae).
When does ventilation change?
Ventilation in humans changes in response to levels of physical activity, as the body’s energy demands are increased.
What does ATP Production produce?
ATP production (via cellular respiration) produces carbon dioxide as a waste product (and may consume oxygen aerobically).
What detects changes in blood CO2?
Changes in blood CO2 levels are detected by chemosensors in the walls of the arteries which send signals to the brainstem.
Why does exercise lead to increased ventilation?
As exercise intensity increases, so does the demand for gas exchange, leading to an increase in levels of ventilation.
In what two ways does exercise influence ventilation (basic)?
Increase ventilation rate | Increase tidal volume.
Why does ventilation rate increase alongside exercise?
A greater frequency of breaths allows for a more continuous exchange of gases.
Why does tidal volume increase alongside exercise?
Increasing the volume of air taken in and out per breath allows for more air in the lungs to be exchanged.
In what 3 ways can ventilation be observed in humans?
Via simple observation; chest belt and pressure meter; spirometer.
How can simple observation be used to measure ventilation?
Counting number of breaths per minute.
How can chest belt and pressure meter be used to measure ventilation?
Recording the rise and fall of the chest.
How can spirometer be used to measure ventilation?
Recording the volume of gas expelled per breath.
What does spirometry involve?
Spirometry involves measuring the amount (volume) and / or speed (flow) at which air can be inhaled or exhaled.
What is a spirometer?
A spirometer is a device that detects the changes in ventilation and presents the data on a digital display.
What is more simplistic alternative to spirometry?
A more simplistic method involves breathing into a balloon and measuring the volume of air in a single breath.
How can the volume of air be determined when using a balloon?
The volume of air can be determined by submerging the balloon in water and measuring the volume displaced (1ml = 1cm3).