The Site of Actual Diffusion of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide between Blood and Atmospheric Air

The process of exchange of gases between the body and the atmosphere takes place through respiration. It is a vital process for the survival of living organisms. During respiration, oxygen from the atmospheric air is taken up by the body and carbon dioxide produced by the body is released into the atmosphere.

The site of actual diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and atmospheric air occurs in the lungs. The lungs are the primary organs of respiration. The process of exchange of gases takes place in the alveoli, which are small sacs located at the end of the bronchioles. The alveoli are surrounded by a network of blood vessels called capillaries.

Process of Exchange of Gases

The process of exchange of gases between the blood and atmospheric air occurs through diffusion. It involves the movement of gases from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. The process of exchange of gases can be explained in the following steps:

1. Oxygen is taken up by the body from the atmospheric air during inhalation. The oxygen-rich air enters the lungs and moves into the alveoli.

2. The oxygen in the alveoli diffuses across the walls of the alveoli and the capillaries into the bloodstream, where it binds with hemoglobin in red blood cells.

3. At the same time, carbon dioxide produced by the body is released into the bloodstream. The carbon dioxide diffuses from the capillaries into the alveoli.

4. During exhalation, the carbon dioxide-rich air is expelled from the lungs and released into the atmosphere.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the site of actual diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and atmospheric air occurs in the lungs. The process of exchange of gases takes place in the alveoli, which are small sacs located at the end of the bronchioles. The process of exchange of gases occurs through diffusion, which involves the movement of gases from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

The primary function of the respiratory system is to exchange oxygen (O2​) and carbon dioxide (CO2​). The external nostrils up to the terminal bronchioles constitute the conducting part whereas the alveoli and their ducts form the respiratory or exchange part of the respiratory system.

The conducting part transports the atmospheric air to the alveoli. Exchange part is the site of actual diffusion of O2​ and CO2​ between blood and atmospheric air. The alveolus is richly supplied with blood capillaries which allow the exchange of gases through it.

So lungs is the actual site of diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and atmospheric air.

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