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

system of gaseous exchange

many alveoli this increases the surface

across which oxygen and
carbon dioxide can
diffuse

the epithelium of the alveoli is Shorter diffusion pathway for

very thin gases like carbon dioxide
and oxygen

there are capillaries running They provide a large surface

over the surface of the area for gases to diffuse
alveoli across

the lungs are surrounded by It increases the size of the chest

the diaphragm and and decreases the air
intercostal muscles pressure inside it which
sucks air into the lungs

[Total 3 marks]

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

When inhaling, the muscles around the diaphragm contract, resulting it lowered and flattened.
The intercostal muscles between the ribs also contract, raising the rib cage upwards and
outwards, these movement result in the volume of the chest cavity increasing which
reduces pressure in the cavity. The pressure within the chest cavity is now lower than the
pressure of the atmospheric air outside, so the air moves through the gas exchange
system, to equalise the pressure inside and out.

..................................................................................................................................
[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]

Gas exchange takes place in the lungs and they are adapted to have a very
large surface area in close contact with the bloodstream, so that
oxygen can diffuse into the blood, and carbon dioxide diffuse out. The
trachea is the windpipe which is wide and hollow that connects the
larynx to the bronchi of the lungs. The trachea has a vital role of
providing air flow to and from the lungs for respiration. The bronchus
carries the air to the left and right of the lung, which becomes smaller
as it gets to the lung tissue and then considered bronchioles. These
passageways evolve into tiny air sacs called alveoli, which is the site of
gas exchange. The alveoli are effective because there are many which
allows it to have a large surface area to volume ratio for quicker gas
exchange and the alveoli are one cell thick allowing for quick 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.
[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.

The oxygen from breathing is diffused across the one cell thick wall of the cell membranes into
the blood capillary and then binds to the haemoglobin to form oxy-haemoglobin and is
then moved along the blood stream as they blood needs to maintain the low concentration
of oxygen so more oxygen can come
through. .................................................................................................................................
.
[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.

...Alveoli....................................................................................................
[1]

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

Oxygen which is being supplied by breathing in the alveoli is diffused across the cell
membrane of the cell that lines the alveolus from there its diffuses into the
blood capillary and into the blood cell where it binds with haemoglobin.
Carbon dioxide is also diffused across the cell membrane of the blood
capillary and through the cell membrane of the alveolus, to then exit the body.

[3]

(b) Explain why mammals have large numbers of structure X in their lungs.

The large number and small size of the alveoli gives the lungs a large surface area to
volume ratio. This allows mammals to grow much larger sizes without the
restrictions when they increase in the size and weight of the gas exchange system.
The large surface area of the lungs also helps to meet the high metabolic demands
of these larger, warm blooded
animals. .......................................................................................................................
..
[2]
[Total 6 marks]