Mastering A&P with Pearson eText - Standalone Access Card - for Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach (8th Edition)
bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 18, Problem 1RQ

List five factors that influence the diffusion of gases between alveolus and blood.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

To determine: The five factors which regulate the diffusion of gases between blood and alveolus.

Introduction: The blood carries oxygen to the body parts. The absorption of the oxygen in the blood occurs near the alveolus of the lungs. The blood receives oxygen from the alveoli and carries it to the other body parts. It brings back the carbon dioxide to the alveoli, which are then exhaled out of the body.

Explanation of Solution

The five major factors regulating the diffusion of gases between blood and alveolus are as follows:

  • Pressure gradients:

    The pressure gradient occurs when there is a difference between the pressure of gases between the two regions. The gases move from their higher concentration region to the lower concentration region.

  • Solubility in water:

    The diffusion also depends on the solubility of the gas. Higher is the solubility; higher will be the diffusion.

  • Alveolar capillary fusion:

    The alveoli contain blood capillaries. The diffusion of a gas depends upon the presence of a tiny blood vessel called capillaries. These capillaries are present in the wall of the alveoli.

  • Blood pH:

    The diffusion of the gas also depends on the pH of the blood. The pH of the blood decreases when it receives carbon dioxide.

  • Temperature:

    The rate of diffusion increases with the increase in temperature. The heat increases the movement of the particles, which results in fast diffusion.

Conclusion

Thus, solubility in water, alveolar capillary perfusion, blood pH, pressure gradients, and temperature are the five major factors which regulate the diffusion of gases between blood and alveolus.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!

Chapter 18 Solutions

Mastering A&P with Pearson eText - Standalone Access Card - for Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach (8th Edition)

Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap ...
Biology
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Concepts of Biology
Biology
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:OpenStax College
Text book image
Body Structures & Functions Updated
Biology
ISBN:9780357191606
Author:Scott
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Basic Clinical Lab Competencies for Respiratory C...
Nursing
ISBN:9781285244662
Author:White
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Body Structures & Functions
Biology
ISBN:9781285695495
Author:Scott
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781337392938
Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Respiratory System; Author: Amoeba Sisters;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_j-LD2YEqg;License: Standard youtube license