Final answer:
Gaseous exchange is the transfer of oxygen from the air into the blood and the expulsion of carbon dioxide from the blood into the air.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gaseous exchange refers to the biochemical process in which oxygen diffuses from the air into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is expelled from the blood into the air. This exchange occurs primarily in the lungs within tiny air sacs known as alveoli. The walls of the alveoli are highly thin and surrounded by a network of pulmonary arteries.
Two key processes facilitate this system: ventilation, or breathing, which is the physical act of moving air in and out of the lungs; and gas exchange, which involves the diffusion of gases between the blood and the lungs. Oxygen-rich blood is then circulated throughout the body by the cardiovascular system, delivering oxygen to various tissues and organs.
Overall, respiration by the respiratory system is essential for bringing in the oxygen needed for cellular activities and eliminating the carbon dioxide produced. This exchange is critical for cellular respiration and maintaining homeostasis within the body.