Alveoli: Adaptations for Gas Exchange (Edexcel IGCSE Biology: Double Science)
Revision Note
Author
LáraExpertise
Biology Lead
Alveoli
- The alveoli are highly specialised for gas exchange
- There are many rounded alveolar sacs which give a very large surface area to volume ratio
- Alveoli (and the capillaries around them) have thin, single layers of cells to minimise diffusion distance
- Ventilation maintains high levels of oxygen and low levels of carbon dioxide in the alveolar air space
- A good blood supply ensures constant supply of blood high in carbon dioxide and low in oxygen
- A layer of moisture on the surface of the alveoli helps diffusion as gases dissolve
Alveoli are specifically adapted to maximise gas exchange
You've read 0 of your 0 free revision notes
Get unlimited access
to absolutely everything:
- Downloadable PDFs
- Unlimited Revision Notes
- Topic Questions
- Past Papers
- Model Answers
- Videos (Maths and Science)
Did this page help you?