Alveoli and gas exchange
Mon, May 3, 2027 · Week 16 · Human Anatomy & Physiology (Human Body Systems)
Today's goal: Students will explain gas exchange at the alveolus using teacher notes and the PLTW online task.
What a finished product looks like
This is a model of the work you should turn in today. Use it to check your own: match the structure and the level of detail, do not copy it. Your data and wording should be your own.
Gas movement at the alveolus (both gases move down their partial-pressure gradients):
- Oxygen diffuses from the alveolus (high O2) into the blood of the surrounding capillary (low O2).
- Carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood (high CO2) into the alveolus (low CO2) to be exhaled.
Key definitions:
- Tidal volume: the amount of air moved in or out during one normal, relaxed breath (about 0.5 L).
- Vital capacity: the maximum amount of air you can exhale after taking the deepest possible breath.
My question about gas exchange: How much does losing alveolar surface area, like in emphysema, lower the amount of oxygen that can cross into the blood?
Also due today: Submit the completed PLTW online gas-exchange task with your diagram.
WebXam problem for today's skill
One exam-style question that uses exactly what you practiced today. Try it before you reveal the answer, then read why each choice is right or wrong.
Tap an answer to see the full explanation. Nothing is recorded or graded.