Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

22. The Respiratory System

Law of Partial Pressure

Anatomy & Physiology

22. The Respiratory System

Law of Partial Pressure

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1:30 minutes

Problem 9

Textbook Question

Clearly explain the difference between external and internal respiration.

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External respiration refers to the exchange of gases between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the pulmonary capillaries.

During external respiration, oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses into the blood, while carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled.

Internal respiration involves the exchange of gases between the blood in systemic capillaries and the body's cells.

In internal respiration, oxygen diffuses from the blood into the cells, and carbon dioxide produced by cellular metabolism diffuses from the cells into the blood.

Both processes are crucial for maintaining the body's oxygen supply and removing carbon dioxide, but they occur in different locations and involve different exchanges.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

External Respiration

External respiration refers to the process of gas exchange that occurs in the lungs. It involves the inhalation of oxygen from the atmosphere into the alveoli, where it diffuses into the blood, while carbon dioxide from the blood is expelled into the alveoli to be exhaled. This process is crucial for oxygenating the blood and removing waste gases.

Internal Respiration

Internal respiration is the exchange of gases that occurs at the cellular level within the tissues of the body. It involves the delivery of oxygen from the blood to the cells and the uptake of carbon dioxide produced by cellular metabolism back into the blood. This process is essential for cellular respiration, which generates energy for cellular functions.

Gas Exchange Mechanism

The gas exchange mechanism is the physiological process that facilitates the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the bloodstream, as well as between the blood and body tissues. This mechanism relies on diffusion, where gases move from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration, ensuring that oxygen is delivered to cells and carbon dioxide is removed efficiently.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Gas exchange at the blood air barrier is efficient because

(a) The differences in partial pressure are substantial

(b) The gases are lipid soluble

(d) Of all of these

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Textbook Question

Oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the lungs and through all cell membranes by:

a. Active transport

b. Diffusion

c. Filtration

d. Osmosis

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Textbook Question

Doris has an obstruction of her right primary bronchus. As a result, how would the oxygen–hemoglobin saturation curve for her right lung compare with that for her left?

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Multiple Choice

How is Henry’s law related to the amount of gas that can be exchanged in the alveoli?

What is it about the structure of the alveoli that makes them an ideal site for gas exchange?

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Textbook Question

Why do individuals who are anemic generally not exhibit an increase in respiratory rate or tidal volume, even though their blood is not carrying enough oxygen?

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Textbook Question

What happens to the process of respiration when a person is sneezing or coughing?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT involved in respiration?

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