How are lungs are adapted for gaseous exchange?

The alveoli are cell wall is one cell thick = short diffusion pathway. The alveoli are moist - so gasses can dissolve and move quicker. The alveoli are small and increase the surface area - diffuse quicker. The capillaries are cell wall is one cell thick = short diffusion pathway. There are many capillaries - short diffusion pathway. The chest is elastic - so recoil expels air with high CO2 and low O2 to maintain a high diffusion gradient.

GH
Answered by Georgia H. Biology tutor

2560 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the products of respiration?


Explain how hydrogen bonding occurs between molecules of water.


What is the role and structure of enzymes in the human body?


How would you test for the presence of glucose?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning