22. The Respiratory System

Gas exchange at the blood air barrier is efficient because

(a) The differences in partial pressure are substantial

(b) The gases are lipid soluble

(c) The total surface area is large

(d) Of all of these

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

a. Active transport

b. Diffusion

c. Filtration

d. Osmosis

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?

For internal respiration, which of the following must be true:

I. The total amount of CO₂ exchanged equals the amount of O₂ exchanged.

II. Carbon dioxide will move down its pressure gradient to enter the blood.

III. The partial pressure of O₂ in the tissue before gas exchange is ≥ 40 mm Hg.

Clearly explain the difference between external and internal respiration.

Choose which of the following statements is correct.

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

What is one difference between air in the alveoli compared to air in the atmosphere?

Which gradient most directly determines the direction that oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules will move between the air in the alveoli and the blood:

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?

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

What is the approximate partial pressure of oxygen in the blood as it enters and leaves the capillaries of the alveoli?