Gaseous Exchange
The Respiratory System plays an important role in exchanging gases and transporting it around the body through the blood, via respiration. Gas exchange refers to changing gases within the alveoli which are located at the end of the Bronchioles within the lungs. The body must have a substantial amount of oxygen in order for the variety of cells to function by using the energy that the body has made. Carbon Dioxide is ensured to leave the body through respiration, as if it remains it can damage the millions of cells and cause serious damage.
Alveoli are little sacs in the lungs that take oxygen from the blood and release carbon dioxide. Alveoli separates the blood from the air (outside) within the body. The process of exchanging gases happens very quickly, this is why the cell walls of the alveoli (surrounded by many networks named capillaries) must be thin. The walls are thin enough to ensure that oxygen can diffuse through the alveoli cell wall in order to enter the blood when we inhale. In addition, carbon dioxide is also carried to the capillaries via the blood in order for them to be transported to the lungs where when we exhale, the waste product is released. When we inhale and exhale the size of the air sacs get bigger in comparison to getting smaller also.
We are in need of gas exchange in order for the body the remain healthy. When you are running, and your heart is beating at its maximum rate the feeling of gasping for air is your bodies way of telling you that you need more oxygen, this is why you begin to slow down. in addition to, if you are running a marathon and your muscles begin to ache - this is known to be a mild poison that builds up within the muscles as they are not receiving enough oxygen. Lactic acid, which is known to be a waste product is broken down. Without the alveoli your body would be at great risk as you would not be fueled enough to carry out activities. The alveoli, changing oxygen for carbon dioxide... remembering there are thousands of alveoli within the lungs this process can work at the same time. When one is working to diffuse, the other is providing the body with the oxygen that it needs to remain alive.
Alveoli are little sacs in the lungs that take oxygen from the blood and release carbon dioxide. Alveoli separates the blood from the air (outside) within the body. The process of exchanging gases happens very quickly, this is why the cell walls of the alveoli (surrounded by many networks named capillaries) must be thin. The walls are thin enough to ensure that oxygen can diffuse through the alveoli cell wall in order to enter the blood when we inhale. In addition, carbon dioxide is also carried to the capillaries via the blood in order for them to be transported to the lungs where when we exhale, the waste product is released. When we inhale and exhale the size of the air sacs get bigger in comparison to getting smaller also.
We are in need of gas exchange in order for the body the remain healthy. When you are running, and your heart is beating at its maximum rate the feeling of gasping for air is your bodies way of telling you that you need more oxygen, this is why you begin to slow down. in addition to, if you are running a marathon and your muscles begin to ache - this is known to be a mild poison that builds up within the muscles as they are not receiving enough oxygen. Lactic acid, which is known to be a waste product is broken down. Without the alveoli your body would be at great risk as you would not be fueled enough to carry out activities. The alveoli, changing oxygen for carbon dioxide... remembering there are thousands of alveoli within the lungs this process can work at the same time. When one is working to diffuse, the other is providing the body with the oxygen that it needs to remain alive.