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Life Science
Quarter 2 – Module 6B
HOW ANIMALS SURVIVE
Lesson 2 GAS EXCHANGE AND INTERNAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM
Science – Grade 11/12
Quarter 2 – Module 6B HOW ANIMALS SURVIVE
Lesson 2 GAS EXCHANGE AND INTERNAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of
the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office
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agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective copyright holders. Every
effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership
over them.

Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: LEDA R. CORNELIO

Editors: HELEN Z. CORNELIO
IRENE V. DE JESUS
MARISOL D. ANDRADA

Reviewers: HELEN Z. CORNELIO

IRENE V. DE JESUS
MARISOL D. ANDRADA

Layout Artist: JASON O. SALVADORA

Cover Illustration: RAYMOND T. TORALDE

MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCIES

Describe the general and unique

characteristics of the different
organ systems in representative
animals (S11/12LT-IIIaj-21)

Analyze and appreciate the

functional relationships of the
different organ systems in ensuring
animal survival (S11/12LT-IIIaj-22)
Supplementary Learning Module for Senior High School Learners

Lesson B
GAS EXCHANGE AND INTERNAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Inhaling and exhaling are two processes which play

a key role to keep our body balance.

In this module, you will demonstrate an

understanding of Gas Exchange and Internal Transport
System.

This module will help you understand Biology

concepts and enjoy different learning
activities.

At the end of this module, it is expected that

you be able to:

http://clipart-library.com/teacher-clipartstransparent.html

1. Explain the general and unique characteristics of the

Respiratory System and Circulatory System in
representative animals
2. Deepen and apply the knowledge about the
significance of each characteristic in daily activity.

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 Directions: Read the statements carefully.
Analyze whether the statements fit to a
TRY THIS! description relevant to Gas Exchange and
Internal Transport System. Please put a check
mark (/) if you agree and a cross mark (x) if you
disagree in each of the statements indicated below.

I Statements I
Agree Disagree
1. Oxygen is a vital element for metabolism.
2. Gas exchange is not important in animals.
3. Blood is a specialized body fluid.
4. Erythrocytes are also known as “red blood cells”.
5. Heart is a muscular structure that contracts in a
rhythmic pattern to pump blood.

Hi! How did you find the test?

Please check your answers at the answer key
section and see how you did. Don’t worry if
you got a low score, this just means that there
are more things that you can learn from this
module.

http://clipart-library.com/teacher-cliparts-

DO THIS!

Which words are not directly related to Respiratory-Circulatory System? Circle

your answer.

Gas Exchange Lungs Osmoregulation Heart

Blood Thermoregulation Body Surface Electrolyte

Auxins Gibberellins Ribs Pathogens

Oxygen Cell membrane Blood Vessels Leukocytes

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 EXPLORE
NAME IT!

Fill in the blanks with the correct answer. Select from the terms below.

Gas exchange Blood Vessels Anaerobic Respiration

Air Veins Aerobic Respiration

Blood plasma Capillaries

1. It requires oxygen in the production of higher amount of

energy compared to process of energy production
without oxygen.
2. It travels from the environment to the tissues of the human
body.
3. It is the matrix in which blood cells and platelets are
suspended.
4. Are part of the circulatory system that transport blood
throughout the human body.
5. Are thinner and less muscular than arteries and return
blood to the heart.
6. Are one cell in thickness, which allows for the essential
exchange of materials between the blood and cells of the body.
7. It is the process where energy is produced without oxygen.
8. It is the term used when oxygen is present in the production
of energy.

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 Oxygen is a vital element for metabolism. Respiratory system carries out
respiration or the process of exchanging and carbon dioxide between body
cells, blood and the air in the lungs. Respiration takes place in different ways
for different types of animals.

Gas exchange is very important in animals, as they require oxygen in

the production of higher amount of energy compared to process of energy
production without oxygen. Aerobic respiration is the term used when oxygen
is present in the production of energy, while anaerobic respiration is the process
energy production without oxygen. In order to acquire oxygen, different animals
have evolved different adaptations in order to adapt to their environment. What
is constant among these organisms are 1.) a thin respiratory structure, 2.) moist
respiratory surface and 3.) respiratory structure with high surface area.

Gas Exchange Organs and the Animals that Utilize Them

• Cell Membrane
Single-celled organisms exchange gases directly across their cell
membrane. Simple animals that lack specialized exchange surfaces have
flattened tubular, or thin shaped body plans, which are the most efficient for gas
exchange. However, these animals are rather small in size.
• Body Surface
Flatworms and annelids use their outer surfaces as gas exchange
surfaces. Earthworms have series of thin-walled blood vessels known as
capillaries. Gas exchange occurs at capillaries located throughout the body as
well as those in the respiratory surface.
Amphibians use their skin as a respiratory surface. Frogs eliminate
carbon dioxide 2.5 times as fast through their skin as they do through their
lungs. Eels obtain 60% of their oxygen through their skin. Humans exchange
only 1% of their carbon dioxide through their skin. Constraints of water loss
dictate that terrestrial animals must develop more efficient lungs.
• Lungs
Gills greatly increase the surface area for gas exchange. They occur in
a variety of animal groups including arthropods (including some terrestrial
crustaceans), annelids, fish, and amphibians. Gills typically are convoluted
outgrowths containing blood vessels covered by a thin epithelial layer.

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 Typically, gills are organized into a series
of plates and may be internal (as in crabs
and fish) or external to the body (as in
some amphibians).
Gills are very efficient at removing
oxygen from water: there is only 1/20
amount of oxygen present in water as in
the same volume of air. Water flows over
gills in one direction while blood flows in
the opposite direction through gill
capillaries.
Figure 1. Gills
gened.emc.maricopa.edu/bio/BIO181/BIOBK/BioBookRESPSYS.html

• Tracheal System
Many terrestrial animals have
their respiratory surfaces inside the
body and connected to the outside by a
series of tubes. Tracheae are tubes that
carry air directly to cells for gas
exchange. Spiracles are openings at
the body surface that lead to tracheae
that branch into smaller tubes known as
tracheoles. Body movements or
contractions speed up the rate of
diffusion of gases from tracheae into
body cells. However, tracheae will not
function well in animals whose body is
longer than 5 cm.
Figure 2. Tracheal system
gened.emc.maricopa.edu/bio/BIO181/BIOBK/BioBookRESPSYS.html

• Lungs

Lungs are ingrowths of the body wall and

connect to the outside by a series of tubes and
small openings. Lung breathing probably evolved
about 400 million years ago. Lungs are not
entirely the sole property of vertebrates; some
terrestrial snails have a gas exchange structures
similar to those frogs.

Figure 3. Amphibian
gened.emc.maricopa.edu/bio/BIO181/BIOBK/BioBookRESPSYS.html

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 The Human Respiratory System
Air travels from the environment to the issues of
the human body. Air enters the nose through the
pharynx, larynx and through the trachea. The trachea
divides into two (2) bronchi, which subdivides into
smaller tubes called bronchioles. Air then passes
through these structures until it reaches the alveoli,
which have direct contact to the capillaries for gas
exchange.

Figure 4. Human Respiratory system

gened.emc.maricopa.edu/bio/BIO181/BIOBK/BioBookRESPSYS.html

Diseases of the Respiratory System

The condition of the airways and the pressure difference between the lungs and
atmosphere are important factors in the flow of air in and out of lungs. Many diseases
affect the condition of the airways.

• Asthma narrows the airways by causing an allergy-induced spasms of

surrounding muscles or by clogging the airways with mucus.
• Bronchitis is an inflammatory response that reduces airflow and is caused by
long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollutants,
or allergens.
• Cystic fibrosis is a genetic defect that causes excessive mucus production that
clogs the airways.

The Alveoli and Gas Exchange

Diffusion is the movement of materials from a higher to a lower concentration. The

differences between oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations are measured by
partial pressures. The greater the difference in partial pressure the greater the rate of
diffusion.

Respiratory pigments increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Humans have
the red-colored pigment hemoglobin as their respiratory pigment. Hemoglobin increases
the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood between 65 and 70 times. Each red blood cell
has about 250 million hemoglobin molecules, and each milliliter of blood contains 1.25
X 1015 hemoglobin molecules. Oxygen concentration in cells is low (when leaving the
lungs blood is 97% saturated with oxygen), so oxygen diffuses from the blood to the cells
when it reaches the capillaries.

gened.emc.maricopa.edu/bio/BIO181/BIOBK/BioBookRESPSYS.html)

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 CIRCULATION: THE INTERNAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM

After nutrients are picked up from the digestive system and distributed throughout the
body, along with hormones, vitamins, and minerals, blood transports oxygen from the
lungs to the cells of the body while metabolic wastes, including carbon dioxide, are
removed from body cells and delivered to organs that eliminate them from the body.

Major Parts of the Circulatory System in the Human Body

• Blood

Figure 5. Human Red Blood Cells, Platelets and T-lymphocyte (erythocytes =

red; platelets = yellow; T-lymphocyte = light green) (SEM x 9,900).
http://www1.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/b-online/library/onlinebio/BioBookDIGEST.html

Blood is a specialized body fluid. It has four (4) main components: plasma, red
blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Blood has many different functions,
including transporting oxygen and nutrients to the lungs and tissues; forming blood
clots to prevent excess blood loss; carrying cells and antibodies that fight infection;
bringing waste products to the kidneys and liver, which filter and clean blood; and
regulating body temperature.
- Plasma
Blood plasma is the matrix in which blood cells and platelets are suspended.
Plasma contains nutrients, wastes, hormones, ions and proteins.
- Erythrocytes
Erythrocytes are also known as “red blood cells”. Mature mammalian
erythrocytes lack nuclei. The erythrocytes of vertebrates contain
hemoglobin a pigment that binds and transports oxygen. In vertebrates,

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 hemoglobin is only found in erythrocytes. In vertebrates, oxygen-binding
pigment (not always hemoglobin) is present in plasma.
- Leukocytes
Leukocytes, also known as “white blood cells”, are only less than 1% of the
cells in human blood. Furthermore, leukocytes are not confined to the blood
as erythrocytes are, but can migrate out of capillaries through the
intercellular spaces into the surrounding interstitial fluid.
- Platelets
Platelets are cell fragments that pinch off from larger cells in the bone
marrow.
• Blood Vessels

Figure 6. Blood vessels.

http://www1.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/bonline/library/onlinebio/BioBookDIGEST.html

The blood vessels are the part of the circulatory system that transport blood
throughout the human body.
The blood vessels of the circulatory system consist of three arteries, veins, and
capillaries. The largest artery is the aorta and the smallest arteries are
arterioles. Arteries are muscular; transport blood away from the heart; and, with
the exception of pulmonary arteries, contain oxygenated blood. Arteries expand
recoil under pressure (creating what we call “pulse”) because of the elastic
connective tissue in the walls. Veins are thinner and less muscular than arteries
and return blood to the heart. With the exception of the pulmonary veins, veins
transport blood low in oxygen. Many veins contain valves to prevent backflow
of blood. Capillaries are one cell in thickness, which allows for the essential
exchange of materials between the blood and cells of the body.

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 • Heart
Heart is a muscular structure
that contracts in a rhythmic
pattern to pump blood.
Hearts have variety of forms:
chambered hearts in mollusks
and vertebrates, tubular hearts
of arthropods, and aortic arches
of annelids. Accessory hearts
are used by insects to boost or
supplement the main heart’s
actions. Fish, reptiles, and
amphibians have lymph hearts
that help pump the lymph back
into the veins.
The basic vertebrate heart
(such as fish) has two (2)
chambers. An auricle is the
chamber of the heart where
blood is received from the body.

Figure 7. The Heart

http://www1.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/b-online/library/onlinebio/BioBookDIGEST.html

Diseases of the Heart and Cardiovascular System

Cardiac muscle cells are serviced by a system of coronary arteries. During exercise
the flow through these arteries is up to five times normal flow. Blocked flow in coronary
arteries can result in death of heart muscle, leading to a heart attack.

Blockage of coronary arteries is usually the result of gradual buildup of lipids and
cholesterol in the inner wall of the coronary artery. Occasional chest pain, angina
pectoralis, can result during periods of stress or physical exertion. Angina indicates
oxygen demands are greater than capacity to deliver it and that a heart attack may
occur in the future. Heart muscle cells that die are not replaced: heart muscle cells do
not divide. Heart disease and coronary artery disease are the leading causes of death
in the US.

Images from W.H. Freeman and Sinauer Associates, used by permission.

Figure 8. Arteries being blocked
http://www1.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/b-online/library/onlinebio/BioBookDIGEST.html

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Hypertension, high blood pressure (the silent killer), occurs when blood pressure is
consistently above 140/90. Causes in most cases are unknown, although stress,
obesity, high salt intake, and smoking can add to a genetic predisposition.
http://www1.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/b-online/library/onlinebio/BioBookDIGEST. html

Figure 9. Circulation and Gas Exchange. https://slideplayer.com/slide/4156540/

APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE

LEARNED

A. List the organs for respiration and their functions.

ORGANS for RESPIRATION FUNCTIONS

Lungs

Tracheae

Bronchi

Alveoli

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B. Describe briefly how the human heart works.

Congratulations!!!

You have learned thoroughly about Gas Exchange and Internal

Transport System! To Further and Advance your Knowledge,
answer the next activities to enhance your learnings!

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 DO THIS!

Distinguish between Aerobic Respiration and Anaerobic Respiration.

Aerobic Respiration Anaerobic Respiration

EXPLORE

ACTIVITY
JUMBLED WORDS. Arrange the words which best fit the statements on
the different parts relevant to Circulation.
1. It contains nutrients, wastes, hormones, ions and proteins

ASPLAMA

2. Are cell fragments that pinch off from larger cells in the bone marrow.
SETLLAPLTE

3. It is the chamber of the heart where blood is received from the body.
ICLEAUR

4. The largest artery

ARTAO

5. A pigment that binds and transports oxygen

NIBHOEMLO

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Ventilation is the mechanics of breathing in and out. When you inhale, muscles in the
chest wall contract, lifting the ribs and pulling them, outward. The diaphragm at this time
moves downward enlarging the chest cavity. Reduced air pressure in the lungs causes
air to enter the lungs.

http://www1.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/b-online/library/onlinebio/BioBookDIGEST.html

APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

Why do you need to sleep in a well-ventilated room?

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 For the last time, share your insights and queries.

Things I have learned today

I wish to ask about

REINFORCEMENT

Values Connection: Express Yourself.

Observe, Document, Assess and Reflect- observe intently the interactions and
encounters (what strikes you most and why) of the different people who made an
impact in your life during Pandemic.

How do you appreciate the significance of Respiratory System and Circulatory

System in your life? How do you keep it healthy?

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 WORD BANK

• Circulation refers to the movement of blood through your body's blood vessels and
heart. (https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/circulation
• Pharynx (plural: pharynges) is the part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal
cavity, and above the esophagus and larynx – the tubes going down to
the stomach and the lungs. It is found in vertebrates and invertebrates, though its
structure varies across species.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharynx#:~:text=The%20pharynx%20(plural%3A%20pharynges),its%20structure
%20varies%20across%20species.

• Respiration refers to a person’s breathing and the movement of air into and out of
the lungs (https://opentextbc.ca/vitalsign/chapter/what-is-respiration/)
• Ventilated - to cause fresh air to enter and move around a closed space.
(https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/ventilate)

If you love others and in order to serve others, you must take care of yourself.

Our world is in the verge of trying times. Keeping our organ systems healthy and sound
is a promise and responsibility one must never renege. In relation to the organ
systems, Respiratory and Circulatory systems, which play a key role in the events of
Pandemic COVID19, how do you appreciate and keep yourself healthy?

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References

Capco, Carmelita, & Gilbert Yang. You and the Natural World. Quezon City: Phoenix
Publishing House, 2010.

Religioso, Teresita, & Lilia Vengco. You and the Natural World. Quezon City:
Phoenix Publishing House, 2016

Teacher’s Guide Earth and Life Science. Commission on Higher Education in

collaboration with Philippine Normal University. Earth and Life Science. : 4th Floor,
Commission on Higher Education, C.P. Garcia Ave., Diliman, Quezon City. 2016

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