Biology › Section P · Breathing, circulation, and excretion › Topic P.1
Gas exchange systems and surfaces
Every cell burning fuel by aerobic respiration needs a steady supply of oxygen and a way to get rid of carbon dioxide. Animals as different as flatworms, fish, beetles and humans meet that need with surfaces that obey the same rules of diffusion.
In this topic
- What a gas exchange surface needs
- Diffusion across the body surface
- Gills and countercurrent flow
- Tracheal systems
- The human airway
- Alveoli: where exchange happens
- Partial pressure
- Worked example: oxygen at altitude
- Lung volumes and capacities
- Worked example: reading a spirometry test
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
This topic is part of Wuanberri Pro. Checking your access…