Gas Exchange

Wan Luan Lee| Kearny SCT

Gas Exchange in the Lung

In the lungs, oxygen and carbon dioxide (a
waste product of body processes) are
exchanged in the tiny air sacs (alveoli) at the
end of the bronchial tubes.
The alveoli are surrounded by capillaries.
When a person inhales, oxygen moves from
the alveoli to the surrounding capillaries and
into the bloodstream.
At the same time, carbon dioxide moves
from the bloodstream to the capillaries and
into the alveoli. The carbon dioxide is
removed from the lungs when a person
exhales.

Gas Exchange in Cell Body

Gas exchange between blood and tissue
fluid.
Gas exchange steps:
1. High concentration of oxygen in the
lungs and low concentration of oxygen
in the blood.
2. Oxygen is released from the
erythrocytes in the blood into the tissues
of the body.
3. When the concentration of oxygen in the
blood is reduced, the blood returns to
the lungs.

Gas Transport in the Blood: Oxygen and

Carbon Dioxide
Inhaled oxygen enters the lungs and
reaches the alveoli.
The layers of cells lining the alveoli and the
surrounding capillaries are each only one
cell thick and are in very close contact with
each other. This barrier between air and
blood averages about 1 micron in thickness.
Oxygen passes quickly through this airblood barrier into the blood in the capillaries.
Similarly, carbon dioxide passes from the
blood into the alveoli and is then exhaled.

Breathing: Inhalation & Exhalation

Inhalation
Inhalation is the process of taking air into the lungs.
For this to occur, the air pressure inside the lungs
must be lower than that of the external
atmosphere as air flows from areas of higher
pressure to lower pressure.
This is achieved by the contraction of the external
intercostal muscles and the relaxation of the internal
intercostals which acts to pull the ribcage upwards
and outwards, hence, increasing the volume of the
thoracic cavity.
The diaphragm also contracts to extend the cavity
further downwards. Due to the function of the pleural
membrane, the size of the lungs is increased which,
in turn, creates an area of lower air pressure inside
the lungs; hence, air is drawn into the lungs.

Exhalation
Exhalation is the process of expelling air out of the
lungs.
For this to occur, the air pressure inside the lungs
must be higher than that of the external
atmosphere as air flows from areas of higher
pressure to ones of lower pressure.
This is achieved by the relaxation of the external
intercostal muscles which bring the rib cage inwards
and the diaphragm bulges upwards respectively.
The internal intercostal muscles contract so as to
pull the rib cage further inwards, hence, decreasing
the volume of the thoracic cavity and that of the
lungs which, in turn, creates high pressure in the
lungs; hence air is pushed out of lungs. In passive
breathing, the movements of the diaphragm are
responsible - the ribs aren't needed.

Brain Control of Breathing Rate

The medullary inspiratory center, located in the medulla oblongata,
generates rhythmic nerve impulses that stimulate contraction of
the inspiratory muscles (diaphragm and external intercostal
muscles).
Normally, expiration occurs when these muscles relax, but when
breathing is rapid, the inspiratory center facilitates expiration by
stimulating the expiratory muscles (internal intercostal muscles
and abdominal muscles).
The pheumotaxic area, located in the pons, inhibits the inspiratory
center, limiting the contraction of the inspiratory muscles, and
preventing the lungs from overinflating.
The apneustic area, also located in the pons, stimulates the
inspiratory center, prolonging the contraction of inspiratory
muscles.

Measuring Lung Capacity: Spirometer

Information and Data

Respiratory System Disorders

Asthma
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung
disease that inflames and narrows the
airways.
Asthma causes recurring periods of
wheezing (a whistling sound when you
breathe), chest tightness, shortness of
breath, and coughing. The coughing
often occurs at night or early in the
morning.
Many cases of asthma result from
allergic responses to pollen, dust,
animal dander, or other substances.

Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi
caused by irritants, such as cigarette smoke,
air pollution, or infections.
The inflammation results in swelling of the
mucous membrane lining the bronchi,
increased mucus production, and decreased
movement of mucus by cilia. Consequently,
the diameter of the bronchi is decreased,
and ventilation is impaired.
Bronchitis can progress to emphysema.

Emphysema
Emphysema results in the destruction of the
alveolar walls.
Chronic inflammation of the bronchioles, usually
caused by cigarette smoke or air pollution,
probably initiates emphysema.
Narrowing of the bronchioles restricts air
movement, and air tends to be retained in the
lungs.
Coughing to remove accumulated mucus
increases pressure in the alveoli, resulting in
rupture and destruction of alveolar walls.
Treatment involves removing sources of irritants
(for example, stopping smoking). There is no cure
for emphysema.

Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease
that affects the secretory cells lining
the lungs, pancreas, sweat glands,
and salivary glands.
In the lungs, the water forms a thin
fluid layer over which mucus is moved
by ciliated cells.
Chronic airflow obstruction causes
difficulty in breathing, and coughing in
an attempt to remove the mucus can
result in pneumothorax and bleeding
within the lungs.

Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease marked
by scarring in the lungs.
Tissue deep in the lungs becomes thick,
stiff and scarred.
The scarring is called fibrosis. As the
lung tissue becomes scarred, it
interferes with a person's ability to
breathe.
Pulmonary fibrosis can develop slowly or
quickly. There is no cure. Many people
with the disease live only about three to
five years after diagnosis.

Lung Cancer
Lung cancer, also known as carcinoma of
the lung or pulmonary carcinoma, is a
malignant lung tumor characterized by
uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the
lung.
he most common symptoms are coughing
(including coughing up blood), weight loss,
shortness of breath, and chest pains.
The vast majority (8090%) of cases of
lung cancer are due to long-term exposure
to tobacco smoke.
Common treatments include surgery,
chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Cities
http://www.med-health.net/Internal-And-External-Respiration.html
http://
www.slideshare.net/maswazi10/unit-3-respiratory-system-and-gas-exchange
http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/ap/vander/student/olc/res-reading2.html
http://www.answers.com/Q/What_happens_during_inhalation_and_exhalation