49.4k views
8 votes
why is the composition of oxygen in the alveoli lower than the composition of oxygen in the atmosphere?

User Netadictos
by
2.9k points

1 Answer

10 votes

Answer/ Explanation:

The respiratory system works to humidify incoming air, thereby causing the air present in the alveoli to have a greater amount of water vapor than atmospheric air. Alveolar air contains a greater amount of carbon dioxide and less oxygen than atmospheric air.

  1. A few other reasons are....

Alveolar air is partially replaced by atmospheric air during each breath

Oxygen is constantly absorbed into the blood from alveoli

Carbon dioxide is diffused into alveoli from blood

As air enters respiratory passages it becomes humidified diluting the inspired gases' partial pressures

hope i could help!

User Stryner
by
3.6k points