How are the lungs specialised for exchanging gases?

The lungs are made up of many air sacs called alveoli. The alveoli have many folds which create a large surface area.  The larger the surface area, the greater the area of alveolar cell membrane available for gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide to diffuse across. Therefore the lungs will be able to exchange greater quantities of gases, in the same amount of time, than organs with a lower surface area and therefore will be better at exchanging gases. 

LA
Answered by Laura A. Biology tutor

2878 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is a protein and what functions can a protein have?


Explain the similarities and differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration


Explain what eutrophication is and how it is caused


What is the definition of osmosis?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning