Moderate

The partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli of the lungs is:

Correct answer: B. More than that in the blood

  • A. Equal to that in the blood
  • B. More than that in the blood
  • C. Less than that in the blood
  • D. Less than that of carbon dioxide.

Explanation

The correct option is b) More than that in the blood. Explanation of each option: a) Equal to that in the blood: This option suggests that the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli is the same as that in blood.However, this is note the case. The primary function of alveoli is to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air in the lungs and the blood. Oxygen moves from the alveoli into the blood,so the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli is not equal to that in the blood. This option is incorrect. b) More than that in the blood: The partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli is indeed higher than that in the blood. During inhalation, fresh air is drawn into the alveoli,which is rich in oxygen. This high concentration of oxygen in the alveoli creates a higher partial pressure compared to the oxygen content in the deoxygenated blood. This difference in partial pressure drives the diffusion of oxygen from alveoli into the bloodstream which is essential for exchange of oxygen. c) Less than that in the blood: This option is incorrect. As mentioned in option "b", the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli is greater than that in the blood. This difference in partial pressure allows for the diffusion of oxygen from the alveoli into the blood, where it binds to hemoglobin for transport to tissues. d) Less than that of Carbon dioxide: this statement is incorrect. The partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli is not less than that of carbon dioxide. in Fact, the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli is higher than that of carbon dioxide. This difference in partial pressures is essential for exchange/absorption of oxygen from the alveoli into the bloodstream and removal of carbon dioxide, as a waste product of metabolism, moves from blood into the alveoli to be exhaled during exhalation. In summary: The question asked about the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli of the lungs in comparison to the blood. The correct answer is that the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli is "More than that in the blood." This difference in partial pressures is crucial for the efficient exchange of oxygen into the bloodstream. The option "Less than that of carbon dioxide" is incorrect; in reality, the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli is higher than that of carbon dioxide, which is essential for the removal of carbon dioxide during exhalation.

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About Respiration

The human respiratory system includes the air passages, lungs, alveoli and breathing muscles, while gaseous exchange explains how oxygen enters blood and carbon dioxide leaves it by diffusion. The effects of smoking include damage to cilia and alveoli, reduced gas exchange, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and increased risk of lung cancer.

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