Which part of the respiratory tract is primarily responsible for gas exchange?

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Multiple Choice

Which part of the respiratory tract is primarily responsible for gas exchange?

Explanation:
Gas exchange happens across the alveolar-capillary membrane in the alveoli. The alveolar walls are extremely thin and closely apposed to a dense network of capillaries, creating a short diffusion distance and a huge surface area for gas movement. This setup allows oxygen to diffuse from the alveolar air into the blood and carbon dioxide to diffuse from the blood into the alveolar air to be exhaled. Surfactant helps keep the alveoli open so this surface remains large. The trachea, bronchi, and larynx, in contrast, are conducting airways with thicker walls and no specialized gas-exchange surface, so they transport air rather than participate in diffusion.

Gas exchange happens across the alveolar-capillary membrane in the alveoli. The alveolar walls are extremely thin and closely apposed to a dense network of capillaries, creating a short diffusion distance and a huge surface area for gas movement. This setup allows oxygen to diffuse from the alveolar air into the blood and carbon dioxide to diffuse from the blood into the alveolar air to be exhaled. Surfactant helps keep the alveoli open so this surface remains large. The trachea, bronchi, and larynx, in contrast, are conducting airways with thicker walls and no specialized gas-exchange surface, so they transport air rather than participate in diffusion.

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