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HMS, BM EQ-Bank 860

Outline the structure of alveoli and explain how this structure enables efficient gas exchange.   (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Alveoli are tiny air sacs located at the end of bronchioles in the lungs.
  • They have extremely thin walls (one cell thick) that enable gases to diffuse easily.
  • They are surrounded by an extensive network of capillaries, which creates a large surface area for gas exchange.
  • The close proximity between alveoli and capillaries results in a short diffusion distance for gases, allowing rapid oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.
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Sample Answer

  • Alveoli are tiny air sacs located at the end of bronchioles in the lungs.
  • They have extremely thin walls (one cell thick) that enable gases to diffuse easily.
  • They are surrounded by an extensive network of capillaries, which creates a large surface area for gas exchange.
  • The close proximity between alveoli and capillaries results in a short diffusion distance for gases, allowing rapid oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.