EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -As it moves through blood vessels (capillaries) in the alveoli walls, your blood takes the oxygen from the alveoli and gives off carbon dioxide to the alveoli. These tiny alveoli structures, taken together, form a very large surface area to do the work of your breathing when you’re resting and exercising.

Detailed explanation-2: -Alveoli increase the diffusion of gases between the lungs and the blood by enhancing the lung surface area.

Detailed explanation-3: -The walls of the alveoli share a membrane with the capillaries. That’s how close they are. This lets oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse, or move freely, between the respiratory system and the bloodstream. Oxygen molecules attach to red blood cells, which travel back to the heart.

Detailed explanation-4: -The small round alveoli allow for an amazingly large surface area for this gas exchange to take place. Remember, the blood capillaries must be in contact with the respiratory surface for gas exchange to take place. Therefore, the greater the surface area, the more gas exchange can occur.

Detailed explanation-5: -The acinus is the structure in the lung where gas exchange occurs. The sac-like structure of the alveoli increases their surface area.