The gas exchange system in healthy humans
I can describe the function and structures of the human gas exchange system in healthy humans.
The gas exchange system in healthy humans
I can describe the function and structures of the human gas exchange system in healthy humans.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Why oxygen needs to be absorbed into, and carbon dioxide needs to be removed from, the human body.
- The function and structures of the lungs in healthy humans.
- The mechanism of breathing, including the role of muscles, to move air in and out of the lungs.
- Adaptations of healthy lungs that increase the amount of gas exchange.
- Detailed structure of the alveoli in healthy human lungs.
Keywords
Gas exchange - The process of oxygen diffusing from the lungs into the blood, and carbon dioxide diffusing from the blood to the lungs.
Breathing - The process in which air moves in and out of the lungs.
Ventilation - Movement of air in and out of the lungs.
Lungs - A pair of organs in the respiratory system of humans, and many animals, that provide a gas exchange surface for oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Alveoli - Tiny air sacs in the lungs that carry out gas exchange.
Common misconception
Believing that we need oxygen to breathe.
We breathe to get oxygen into our bodies so cells can use it as fuel for respiration.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
