Question

While ventilation involves movement of gases down total pressure gradients, gas exchange involves movement of gases down ________ gradients.

1) concentration
2) temperature
3) partial pressure
4) volume

Answer 1

Gas exchange involves the movement of gases down partial pressure gradients, with oxygen and carbon dioxide moving from areas of higher to lower partial pressure according to Dalton's and Henry's laws.

Step-by-step explanation:

While ventilation involves movement of gases down total pressure gradients, gas exchange involves movement of gases down partial pressure gradients. Gas exchange across the alveoli is highly influenced by the partial pressure of individual gases, a concept aligned with Dalton's and Henry's laws, which indicate that each gas in a mixture has a pressure (partial pressure) that is independent of other gases. This partial pressure gradient drives oxygen and carbon dioxide across the respiratory membrane, allowing for efficient gas exchange. It's essential to understand that the movement of these gases goes from areas of higher partial pressure to areas of lower partial pressure to reach equilibrium.