MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Adaptations of the alveoli: Thin walls-alveolar walls are one cell thick providing gases with a short diffusion distance. Moist walls-gases dissolve in the moisture helping them to pass across the gas exchange surface. Permeable walls-allow gases to pass through.

Detailed explanation-2: -Each alveolus is cup-shaped with very thin walls. It’s surrounded by networks of blood vessels called capillaries that also have thin walls. The oxygen you breathe in diffuses through the alveoli and the capillaries into the blood.

Detailed explanation-3: -They have a large surface area relative to the volume of the organism. They are thin and so have a short diffusion pathway. They have a moist surface where gases can dissolve first before they diffuse in or out. More items

Detailed explanation-4: -Large surface area to allow faster diffusion of gases across the surface. Thin walls to ensure diffusion distances remain short. Good ventilation with air so that diffusion gradients can be maintained. Good blood supply to maintain a high concentration gradient so diffusion occurs faster.