Question 1: Define the term 'alveoli' and describe their role in the respiratory system.

Answer: Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs; they allow oxygen to enter the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to be expelled.

Question 2: Which structure in the lungs acts as a passageway for air to reach the alveoli?

Answer: Bronchi

Question 3: Fill in the blank: The muscle that plays a key role in breathing by contracting and relaxing to change lung volume is the __________.

Answer: diaphragm

Question 4: Explain how the structure of alveoli facilitates efficient gas exchange.

Answer: Alveoli have thin walls and are covered with numerous capillaries, which allows oxygen to diffuse quickly from the alveoli into the blood and carbon dioxide to diffuse out, maximizing gas exchange efficiency.

Question 5: Calculate the amount of oxygen (in liters) that would enter the bloodstream if a person inhales 0.5 liters of air with 21% oxygen, assuming all oxygen is absorbed.

Answer: 0.105 liters

Question 6: Identify two safety precautions that should be followed when studying the respiratory system in a laboratory setting.

Answer: Wearing safety goggles and handling chemicals or biological samples with proper gloves.

Question 7: Describe how the structure of the lungs adapts to increase surface area for gas exchange.

Answer: The numerous alveoli increase the surface area, allowing more gas exchange to occur efficiently.

Question 8: Explain the role of the pleura in lung function.

Answer: The pleura is a double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs, reducing friction during breathing and helping to keep the lungs attached to the chest wall.

Question 9: In a scenario where the alveoli are damaged, what effect would this have on gas exchange? Justify your answer.

Answer: Damaged alveoli would reduce the surface area available for gas exchange, leading to decreased oxygen intake and less removal of carbon dioxide, which can impair overall respiration and oxygen supply to body tissues.

Question 10: Which technological advancement has improved our understanding of lung structure and function, and how?

Answer: Imaging technologies like CT scans and MRI have allowed detailed visualization of lung tissues, helping researchers and doctors understand lung diseases and structures better.