Samha International School

Academic year 2023-2024

SUBJECT: BIOLOGY
Worksheet no. 3: Gas exchange in humans
Teacher: Ali Ashraf
M.Sc. (Biochemistry)

1 Gaseous exchange takes place while air flows in and out of the lungs.

(a) State three ways in which inspired air is different from expired air.

1.

2.

3.

[3]

(b) List three features of gaseous exchange surfaces that help to make them more
efficient.

1.

2.

3.

[3]

[Total: 6]

1
2 The ribcage and diaphragm are involved in the breathing mechanism to ventilate the lungs.

Fig. 2.1 is a flow chart that shows the changes that take place when breathing in.

external intercostal diaphragm muscles

muscles contract contract

ribcage is raised diaphragm is .....................

volume of thorax .....................

pressure of air in the lungs

....................

atmospheric pressure is .....................

than air pressure in the lungs

air moves ..................... the lungs

air enters the ..................... which

are the site of gaseous exchange

Fig. 2.1

(a) Complete Fig. 2.1 by writing appropriate words in the spaces provided. [6]

2
(b) Fig. 2.2 shows part of the epithelium that lines the trachea.

Fig. 2.2

Explain how the cells labelled A and B in Fig. 2.2 protect the gas exchange system.

[4]

[Total: 10]

3
3 Fig. 3.1 shows structures in the human thorax.

Fig. 3.1

(a) Complete the table by identifying parts A, B and C and describing their roles in
breathing in.

part name role in breathing in

4 [6]
Fig. 3.2 shows some cells from the lining of the bronchus.

Fig. 3.2

(b) (i) Explain how these cells help to keep the bronchus free from dust and bacteria.

[4]

[Total: 10]

5
4 (a) Fig.4.1 shows the human gas exchange system. The functions of the parts of the gas exchange
system are given in Table 4.1.

A
M

K B

C
J

D
H

E
G

Fig.4.1

Complete Table 4.1. One row has been done for you.

Table 4.1

function letter on Fig.4.1 name

structure that makes sounds A larynx

bone that provides protection for the lungs

airway that allows passage of air only into

the right lung

airway that allows passage of air into

both lungs

contracts to increase volume of thorax

muscle that contracts to lower the ribcage

site of gas exchange

[6]
6
(b) The gas exchange system contains cartilage.

Describe the function of cartilage in the gas exchange system.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

(c) Soon after starting physical activity the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood increases.

(i) Name the process inside cells that produces carbon dioxide.

................................................................................................................................

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

(ii) State the effect on breathing of an increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the blood.

................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................

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

(iii) Explain how this effect on breathing is coordinated.

................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ [3]

[Total: 13]

7
5 Fig. 5.1 is a graph of the volume of air flowing into and out of the lungs of a human
while breathing at rest.

3
volume
of air in
lungs / dm3
2

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
X

time / seconds

Fig. 5.1

(i) State how many breaths are inhaled in 15 seconds.

[1]

(ii) State the volume of air breathed in during each breath.

[1]

(iii) Calculate the volume of air breathed in during one minute.

Show your working.

[2]

(iv) At time X the person began to exercise. Sketch on the graph five more breaths for
this person during this exercise.
[2]

8
6 (a) The air which is inhaled is different from that which is exhaled.

Complete the following sentences about these differences.

(i) Inhaled air has more than exhaled air. [1]

(ii) Exhaled air has more and

than inhaled air. [2]

(iii) Inhaled air usually has a temperature than exhaled air [1]

(b) One of the gases present in inhaled and exhaled air is carbon dioxide.

Describe how you could test exhaled air for carbon dioxide and describe the result if
carbon dioxide is present.

test

result [2]

(c) Gases enter and leave the blood by diffusion. Define diffusion.

[2]

[Total: 8]