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1 Gas Exchange in Humans
1 Gas Exchange in Humans
HUMANS
LEARNING OUTCOME
• List the features of gas exchange surfaces in humans, limited to
large surface area, thin surface, good blood supply and good
ventilation with air
• Pressure increases
• Limewater in flask B
turns cloudy faster
• It is because exhaled
air contains more
carbon dioxide
LEARNING OUTCOME
• Explain the link between physical activity and rate and depth of
breathing in terms of the increased carbon dioxide concentration in
the blood, detected by the brain, causing an increased rate of
breathing
• During and after the exercise both the rate (number of breaths per
minute) and the depth (how deep we breathe) increases
Explanation
• During exercise the muscles contract more so they require more
energy
• So the respiration rate increases in the muscles
• More carbon dioxide is produced and diffuses into the blood
• This makes the blood acidic (low pH, as CO2 is acidic)
• This low pH is detected by the brain (hypothalamus)
• So to bring the pH back to normal by removing carbon dioxide
faster, the brain sends impulses to increase the rate of breathing
LEARNING OUTCOME
• Explain the role of goblet cells, mucus and ciliated cells in protecting
the gas exchange system from pathogens and particles
The inner walls of the trachea and the bronchi are lined (covered) by
mucus, ciliated epithelial cells and goblet cells
mucus – keeps the surface moist and traps the dust, pollen and
pathogens that we may inhale
Goblet cells – secretes slimy substance called mucus
Ciliated epithelial cells – sweeps the mucus with the trapped substances
out of the trachea into the food pipe (oesophagus)