How are lungs are adapted for gaseous exchange?

The alveoli are cell wall is one cell thick = short diffusion pathway. The alveoli are moist - so gasses can dissolve and move quicker. The alveoli are small and increase the surface area - diffuse quicker. The capillaries are cell wall is one cell thick = short diffusion pathway. There are many capillaries - short diffusion pathway. The chest is elastic - so recoil expels air with high CO2 and low O2 to maintain a high diffusion gradient.

GH
Answered by Georgia H. Biology tutor

2506 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

State three ways in which a yeast cell differs from plant cells.


How does sweat cool the body down? (2 marks)


What is the difference between vaccines and immunisation?


Describe the measures the body takes to achieve homeostasis in response to temperature changes


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning