MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -During gas exchange oxygen moves from the lungs to the bloodstream. At the same time carbon dioxide passes from the blood to the lungs. This happens in the lungs between the alveoli and a network of tiny blood vessels called capillaries, which are located in the walls of the alveoli.

Detailed explanation-2: -Gas exchange occurs in the lungs between alveolar air and the blood of the pulmonary capillaries. For effective gas exchange to occur, alveoli must be ventilated and perfused. Ventilation (V) refers to the flow of air into and out of the alveoli, while perfusion (Q) refers to the flow of blood to alveolar capillaries.

Detailed explanation-3: -a) There are many capillaries around every alveoli. This good blood flow maintains a steep concentration gradient between the oxygen (and carbon dioxide) in the alveoli and the blood so that the rate of diffusion is faster.