Name the structures located at the end of the breathing tract involved in gaseous exchange - Leaving Cert Biology - Question d - 2005
Question d
Name the structures located at the end of the breathing tract involved in gaseous exchange.
State two adaptations of the structures named at part (i) above, to incr... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Name the structures located at the end of the breathing tract involved in gaseous exchange - Leaving Cert Biology - Question d - 2005
Step 1
Name the structures located at the end of the breathing tract involved in gaseous exchange.
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Answer
The structures located at the end of the breathing tract involved in gaseous exchange are the alveoli.
Step 2
State two adaptations of the structures named at part (i) above, to increase the efficiency of gaseous exchange.
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Answer
Large Surface Area: Alveoli provide a large surface area for gas exchange, allowing more oxygen and carbon dioxide to diffuse simultaneously.
Rich Capillary Supply: Each alveolus is surrounded by a dense network of capillaries, ensuring efficient transport of gases to and from the blood.
Step 3
Identify the gas, soluble in blood plasma, which controls the rate of breathing.
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Answer
The gas that is soluble in blood plasma and controls the rate of breathing is carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Step 4
Identify the region of the human brain which detects the gas you have named at part (iii) above.
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Answer
The region of the human brain that detects carbon dioxide levels is the medulla oblongata.
Step 5
How does the breathing system respond to a high level of the gas named at (iii) above?
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Answer
When there is a high level of carbon dioxide in the blood, the breathing system responds by increasing the depth and rate of breathing. This helps to expel more CO₂ from the body.
Step 6
Describe in detail the process of inhalation.
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Answer
Inhalation is the process of taking air into the lungs. It begins when the brain sends a message to the muscles responsible for breathing. The intercostal muscles and diaphragm contract, which causes several changes:
The diaphragm moves down, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity.
The ribs move up and out, further expanding the chest cavity.
As a result, the volume of the thoracic cavity (or chest) increases.
Consequently, the pressure inside the thoracic cavity or chest decreases, allowing air to move in from the atmosphere due to the pressure difference.
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