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  1. 1-1-biological-molecules-carbohydrates
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  10. 2-4-cell-membranes-and-transport
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  11. 2-5-cell-recognition-and-the-immune-system
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  13. 3-1-adaptations-for-gas-exchange
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  14. 3-2-human-gas-exchange
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  15. 3-3-digestion-and-absorption
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  16. 3-4-mass-transport-in-animals
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  17. 3-5-the-circulatory-system-in-animals
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  21. 4-3-genetic-diversity-mutations-and-meiosis
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  22. 4-4-genetic-diversity-and-adaptation
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Exam code:7401

The alveolar epithelium

  • The alveolar epithelium functions as an exchange surface

    • Oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the alveoli and the capillaries in the process of diffusion

  • The features of the alveolar epithelium make it an extremely effective exchange surface; it has:

    • a large surface area

      • The lungs contain many alveoli, increasing the surface area available for oxygen and carbon dioxide to diffuse

    • thin walls

      • The walls of the alveoli are only one cell thick

      • Alveolar epithelium cells are flattened in shape

      • Gases have a very short diffusion distance

    • a steep concentration gradient

      • The constant flow of blood through capillaries that are immediately adjacent to the alveolar epithelium means that oxygenated blood is carried away from the alveoli very quickly

      • This maintains the concentration gradient necessary for diffusion of oxygen to occur

Diagram of gas exchange in alveoli, showing labelling of oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration, ventilation, blood supply, alveolar and capillary walls.
The features of alveolar epithelium mean that it provides an ideal surface for gas exchange

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Be careful not to refer to the ‘cell walls’ of the alveoli’; you should instead refer to the alveolar walls, which are one cell thick. Remember; animal cells do not have cell walls!

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