ASBiologyAQARevision NotesExchange & TransportHuman Gas ExchangeThe Human Gas Exchange System

The Human Gas Exchange System (AQA AS Biology): Revision Note

Exam code: 7401

Lára Marie McIvor

Written by: Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewed by: Naomi Holyoak

Updated on

The human gas exchange system: structure

  • The human gas exchange system contains the following structures:

    • alveoli (singular alveolus)

    • bronchioles

    • bronchi (singular bronchus)

    • trachea

    • lungs

Diagram of the human respiratory system, labelled with nasal cavity, trachea, lung, bronchus, bronchiole, alveoli, pleural cavity, ribs, intercostal muscle, diaphragm.
The human gas exchange system is a series of organs that work together to enable gas exchange

Structure

Description

Alveoli

A series of tiny sacs with structural adaptations that maximise gas exchange

The site of gas exchange in the lungs

Bronchioles

Narrow tubes that connect the alveoli to the bronchi

Bronchi

A pair of tubes that connect the bronchioles in each lung to the trachea

Trachea

The airway, or windpipe, that connects the bronchi with the mouth and nose

Lungs

Two lungs in the chest cavity are the organs of gas exchange

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Author
Reviewer
Lára Marie McIvor

Author: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

Naomi Holyoak

Reviewer: Naomi Holyoak

Expertise: Biology Content Creator

Naomi graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in Biological Sciences. She has 8 years of classroom experience teaching Key Stage 3 up to A-Level biology, and is currently a tutor and A-Level examiner. Naomi especially enjoys creating resources that enable students to build a solid understanding of subject content, while also connecting their knowledge with biology’s exciting, real-world applications.

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