List five factors that influence the diffusion of gases between alveolus and blood.
To determine: The five factors which regulate the diffusion of gases between blood and alveolus.
Introduction: The blood carries oxygen to the body parts. The absorption of the oxygen in the blood occurs near the alveolus of the lungs. The blood receives oxygen from the alveoli and carries it to the other body parts. It brings back the carbon dioxide to the alveoli, which are then exhaled out of the body.
Explanation of Solution
The five major factors regulating the diffusion of gases between blood and alveolus are as follows:
- Pressure gradients:
The pressure gradient occurs when there is a difference between the pressure of gases between the two regions. The gases move from their higher concentration region to the lower concentration region.
- Solubility in water:
The diffusion also depends on the solubility of the gas. Higher is the solubility; higher will be the diffusion.
- Alveolar capillary fusion:
The alveoli contain blood capillaries. The diffusion of a gas depends upon the presence of a tiny blood vessel called capillaries. These capillaries are present in the wall of the alveoli.
- Blood pH:
The diffusion of the gas also depends on the pH of the blood. The pH of the blood decreases when it receives carbon dioxide.
- Temperature:
The rate of diffusion increases with the increase in temperature. The heat increases the movement of the particles, which results in fast diffusion.
Thus, solubility in water, alveolar capillary perfusion, blood pH, pressure gradients, and temperature are the five major factors which regulate the diffusion of gases between blood and alveolus.
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Chapter 18 Solutions
Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach (8th Edition)
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