Final answer:
The respiratory membrane consists of simple squamous epithelium, which forms the blood-air barrier in the alveoli of the lungs, enabling efficient gas exchange through simple diffusion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The respiratory membrane responsible for gas exchange in the lungs consists of several layers, including the alveolar epithelium, the capillary endothelium, and their shared elastic basement membranes. Specifically, the lining of the alveoli is comprised of simple squamous epithelium formed by type I alveolar cells, which is vital for the efficient exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air spaces in the lungs and the blood in the capillaries.
The simple squamous epithelium attaches to a thin elastic basement membrane and adjoins the endothelial membrane of lung capillaries. Together, this ultra-thin barrier, which is only about 0.5 micrometers thick, forms the respiratory membrane, enabling gas transfer through simple diffusion. Hence, the gas exchange surfaces of the respiratory membrane are constituted by simple squamous epithelium.
The respiratory membrane of the gas exchange surfaces consists of simple squamous epithelium. This thin epithelial layer facilitates the essential process of gas exchange by allowing simple diffusion of gases across the blood-air barrier.