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Respiration and lung effects of lifestyle

Organisation • Animal tissues, organs and systems

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • The trachea is a wide tube connecting the throat and nose to the lungs.
  • It divides into two bronchi, one leading to each lung.
  • These bronchi branch into smaller tubes known as bronchioles that direct air to the gas-exchange areas in the lungs.
  • The structure of these airways allows efficient ventilation to the alveoli.

Flashcards

Test your knowledge with interactive flashcards

Explain how emphysema reduces gas exchange.

Click to reveal answer

Destruction of alveolar walls decreases surface area, limiting oxygen diffusion and causing breathlessness.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

Alveoli have a thin, moist surface and a dense capillary network.

The total surface area of alveoli is vast, increasing gas exchange capacity.

Continuous ventilation and blood flow maintain necessary concentration gradients.

Tar in cigarettes acts as a carcinogen causing DNA mutations.

Long-term alcohol causes liver damage and alters brain function.

Maternal substances pass through the placenta, affecting fetal development.

A reduced alveolar surface area limits oxygen uptake in lung diseases.

Distinguishing between ventilation and diffusion is essential for explaining gas exchange.

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