Name the respiration surface in humans, and describe how it is adapted to its function

The respiration surface in humans is the alveoli. It is adapted to its function as a gas exchange surface because it has a high surface area to volume ratio, this allows maximum surface area for gas exchange to take place, increasing the efficiency. The alveoli are covered in a layer of moisture, which allows gases to diffuse across the surface. Alveoli are one cell thick which means that gases have a minimal distance to travel from the lungs into the capillaries. The alveoli have a good blood supply as they are surrounded by capillaries.

OG
Answered by Olivia G. Biology tutor

7576 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why does the left side of the heart contain more muscle?


How is blood glucose concentration regulated?


A cell in the basal layer of the skin contains 46 chromosomes and divides by mitosis to produce new skin cells. After ten successive divisions, how many chromosomes will the basal cell have?


Describe how a nerve impulse travels from neurone A to neurone B.


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