NEETZoologyBreathing and Exchange of Gases
What are Alveoli in the respiratory system?
Options
- AStructures responsible for diffusion of gases in the body
- BSites for exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
- CStructures involved in the production of mucus
- DCenters for processing of air inhaled
Correct answer
B. Sites for exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
Step-by-step solution
Alveoli are the primary sites of exchange of gases. Exchange of gases also occur between blood and tissues. O2 and CO2 are exchanged in these sites by simple diffusion mainly based on pressure/concentration gradient . Solubility of the gases as well as the thickness of the membranes involved in diffusion are also some important factors that can affect the rate of diffusion. Pressure contributed by an individual gas in a mixture of gases is called partial pressure and is represented as pO2 for oxygen and pCO2 for ca