11.
1 Gas exchange in humans
Topic
1 Describe the features of gas
exchange surfaces in humans
2 Identify in diagrams and images
the following parts of the breathing
system: lungs, diaphragm, ribs,
intercostal muscles, larynx,
trachea, bronchi, bronchioles,
alveoli and associated capillaries
3
Iden�fy in diagrams the internal
and external intercostal muscles
4 State the function of cartilage in
the trachea
5 Explain the role of the ribs, the
internal and external intercostal
muscles and the diaphragm in
producing volume and pressure
changes in the thorax leading to
the ventilation of the lungs
Checklist
 gas exchange surfaces in humans = alveolus
 O2 diffuse from alveolus to capillary
 CO2 diffuse from capillary to alveolus
 both move down concentration gradient
 features of alveolus:
- large surface area - faster diffusion
- thin surface - shorter diffusion distance
- good blood supply and good ventilation with air
- maintain concentration gradient
- refer to the diagram above
 cartilage forms a C-shaped ring around trachea
 cartilage prevent collapse of airway
 during inhalation:
- rib cage moves upwards and outwards because
- external intercostal muscles contract and internal
intercostal muscles relax
- diaphragm contracts and moves downwards
- volume in the thorax increases
- pressure in the thorax decreases
- air rushes in (as atmospheric pressure is higher
than thorax)
 during exhalation:
- rib cage moves downwards and inwards because
- internal intercostal muscles contract and external
intercostal muscles relax
- diaphragm relaxes and curves upwards
- volume in the thorax decreases
- pressure in the thorax increases
- air rushes in (as pressure in thorax is higher than
atmosphere)
6 Investigate the differences in
composition between inspired and
expired air using limewater as a
test for carbon dioxide
7 Describe the differences in
composition between inspired and
expired air, limited to: oxygen,
carbon dioxide and water vapour
8 Explain the differences in
composition between inspired and
expired air
9 Investigate and describe the effects of physical activity on the rate and depth of breathing
10 Explain the link between physical
activity and the rate and depth of
breathing
11 Explain the role of goblet cells,
mucus and ciliated cells in
protecting the breathing system
from pathogens and particles
 inspired air has more oxygen than expired air as
oxygen is used in respiration
 expired air has more carbon dioxide than inspired
air as carbon dioxide is produced by respiration
 an increased carbon dioxide concentration in the
blood, which is detected by the brain, leading to an
increased rate and greater depth of breathing
 increased CO2 concentration = stimulus
 receptor in brain = detect stimulus
 brain = coordinator
 intercostal muscles and diaphragm = effectors
 goblet cells produce mucus which trap pathogens
and particles
 ciliated cells have cilia which sweep mucus away
from the lungs
 goblet cells and ciliated cells are found in the
trachea and bronchi