How is the structure of mammalian gaseous exchange system adapted to its functions.

      

How is the structure of mammalian gaseous exchange system adapted to its functions.

  

Answers


Martin
(a) Adaptations of the air ways (trachea and bronchi)

- The walls of the trachea and bronchi are lined by rings of cartilage; which prevent them from collapsing and keep them open for air passage;

- The inner passage of air ways is lined with mucous membrane; which contain ciliated cells; whose movements to and from the pharynx cause a sweeping action that collects mucus containing dust towards the pharynx hence preventing their entry into the air ways;

- The mucous membrane contains mucus secreting cells; which produce mucus that trap dust and pathogenic particles which would find their ways into the air ways;

- The mucous membrane has a rich supply of blood; which helps to keep the incoming air warm and moist for easy diffusion into the lungs;

- The epiglottis and other structures on top of the trachea prevent food, drinks and other soil particles from gong into the trachea during swallowing;

Adaptations of the lungs

- It has numerous alveoli; that provide a large surface area for efficient gaseous exchange;

- Epithelial lining between alveoli wall and the blood capillaries is thin; to provide a shorter diffusion distance for easy gaseous exchange;

- The lung is spongy and has numerous air sacs; that accommodate large volume of gases (oxygen);

- It is highly supplied with blood capillaries that transports oxygen and carbon (IV) oxide to and from the body tissues respectfully;

- Its epithelial lining is covered by a thin layer of moisture; to dissolve oxygen for easy diffusion into the blood stream;

- The lung is connected to tree – like system of tubes (the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles); that supply oxygen and removes carbon (IV) oxide from the lung;

The whole lung is covered with the pleural membrane which is gas-tight thus changes in pressure within the lungs can occur without external interference.
marto answered the question on October 4, 2019 at 10:59


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