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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements best describes the exchange of gases in the alveoli?
A
Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli.
B
Both oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse from the alveoli into the blood.
C
Both oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse from the blood into the alveoli.
D
Carbon dioxide diffuses from the alveoli into the blood, while oxygen diffuses from the blood into the alveoli.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure and function of alveoli: Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. They are surrounded by capillaries, which are small blood vessels that allow for the exchange of gases between the air in the alveoli and the blood.
Recall the principle of diffusion: Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the context of gas exchange, oxygen and carbon dioxide move according to their concentration gradients.
Analyze the concentration gradients: In the alveoli, the concentration of oxygen is higher than in the blood of the surrounding capillaries. Conversely, the concentration of carbon dioxide is higher in the blood than in the alveoli.
Determine the direction of gas movement: Based on the concentration gradients, oxygen diffuses from the alveoli (high concentration) into the blood (low concentration), while carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood (high concentration) into the alveoli (low concentration).
Match the correct statement: Compare the provided options to the explanation above. The correct statement is the one that describes oxygen diffusing from the alveoli into the blood and carbon dioxide diffusing from the blood into the alveoli.