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5 cards from this section. Quick, good the night before a test.
Describe the path an oxygen molecule takes from the air in an alveolus to a haemoglobin molecule.
There are two thin cell layers between the air and the blood.
Does the diffusion of oxygen into the blood need energy from the cells? Explain.
Which way does the oxygen move compared with its concentration?
In the lungs, in which direction does oxygen diffuse?
High to low.
How many thin cell layers must oxygen cross between the alveolar air and the blood plasma?
One belongs to the alveolus and one to the capillary.
Suppose the partial pressure of oxygen is 100 mmHg in the alveoli and 40 mmHg in the blood arriving at the lungs at sea level, and 60 mmHg and 30 mmHg respectively on a high mountain. (a) Calculate the difference in each place. (b) Assuming surface area and thickness stay the same, by what percentage does the rate of diffusion change on the mountain? (c) Explain why trained athletes sometimes live and train at altitude before a competition at sea level.
Rate is proportional to the concentration difference, so compare the two differences.
A person with anaemia has fewer red blood cells, or less haemoglobin, than normal. Explain why they tire easily, referring to diffusion and to the role of haemoglobin.
Separate the effect on carrying oxygen from the lungs from the effect on delivering it to the cells.
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