Subjects

Careers

Open the App

Subjects

How Air Travels in Your Lungs and How You Breathe

11

0

user profile picture

Ashley

07/05/2023

Biology

The Lungs

74

7 May 2023

2 pages

How Air Travels in Your Lungs and How You Breathe

user profile picture

Ashley

@tb3of3_pzhq

The respiratory system is crucial for human survival, facilitating the... Show more

Page 1
Page 2
1 / 2
m m m m m m m m m m m m m
THE LUNGS:
mouth
Bronchiole
alveoli
2
lungs
→ Nasal cavity
Breathing:
trachea
→ bronchus
passage of air into the l

Gas Exchange and Air Composition

This page focuses on the process of gas exchange in the lungs and the composition of inhaled and exhaled air.

Gas exchange in the lungs is a crucial process that occurs in the alveoli. This process, also known as gaseous exchange in humans, involves the transfer of oxygen from the air in the alveoli to the bloodstream and the removal of carbon dioxide from the blood to be exhaled.

Definition: Gas exchange is the process by which oxygen and carbon dioxide are transferred between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the surrounding capillaries.

The process of gas exchange occurs through diffusion:

  1. Oxygen moves from the air in the alveoli (where its concentration is high) into the bloodstream (where its concentration is lower).
  2. Carbon dioxide moves from the blood (where its concentration is high) into the alveoli (where its concentration is lower).

Highlight: Gas exchange occurs by the process of diffusion, which is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

The composition of the air we breathe changes as it passes through the respiratory system:

  • Inhaled air:

    • 21% Oxygen
    • 0.03% Carbon dioxide
  • Exhaled air:

    • 16% Oxygen
    • 4% Carbon dioxide

Example: The significant increase in carbon dioxide concentration in exhaled air (from 0.03% to 4%) demonstrates the efficiency of the lungs in removing this waste gas from the body.

This difference in composition highlights the effectiveness of the respiratory system in supplying oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide.

m m m m m m m m m m m m m
THE LUNGS:
mouth
Bronchiole
alveoli
2
lungs
→ Nasal cavity
Breathing:
trachea
→ bronchus
passage of air into the l

The Lungs and Breathing Process

The respiratory system is a complex network of organs and structures that facilitate breathing and gas exchange. This page outlines the pathway of air through the respiratory system and describes the breathing process.

Vocabulary: Alveoli - The grape-like clusters of air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange takes place.

The pathway of air in the respiratory system begins when air enters the body through the mouth or nasal cavity. It then travels through the following structures:

  1. Trachea (windpipe)
  2. Bronchi (two branching tubes connecting the trachea to the lungs)
  3. Bronchioles (smaller branches of the bronchi)
  4. Alveoli (air sacs where gas exchange occurs)

Highlight: The alveoli function as the primary site of gas exchange between the air in the lungs and the blood in the capillaries.

The breathing process, also known as ventilation, consists of two phases:

  1. Inspiration (breathing in):

    • The diaphragm contracts and moves downward
    • Rib muscles contract, expanding the rib cage
    • This increases chest cavity volume and decreases air pressure, drawing air into the lungs
  2. Expiration (breathing out):

    • The diaphragm relaxes and returns to its domed shape
    • Rib muscles relax, allowing the rib cage to move inward and downward
    • This decreases chest cavity volume and increases air pressure, forcing air out of the lungs

Example: During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves down, similar to pulling down on a plunger in a syringe, which draws air into the lungs.



We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Biology

74

7 May 2023

2 pages

How Air Travels in Your Lungs and How You Breathe

user profile picture

Ashley

@tb3of3_pzhq

The respiratory system is crucial for human survival, facilitating the exchange of gases between the body and the environment. This process involves several specialized structures and mechanisms that work together to ensure efficient breathing and gas exchange.

  • The respiratory system... Show more

m m m m m m m m m m m m m
THE LUNGS:
mouth
Bronchiole
alveoli
2
lungs
→ Nasal cavity
Breathing:
trachea
→ bronchus
passage of air into the l

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Gas Exchange and Air Composition

This page focuses on the process of gas exchange in the lungs and the composition of inhaled and exhaled air.

Gas exchange in the lungs is a crucial process that occurs in the alveoli. This process, also known as gaseous exchange in humans, involves the transfer of oxygen from the air in the alveoli to the bloodstream and the removal of carbon dioxide from the blood to be exhaled.

Definition: Gas exchange is the process by which oxygen and carbon dioxide are transferred between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the surrounding capillaries.

The process of gas exchange occurs through diffusion:

  1. Oxygen moves from the air in the alveoli (where its concentration is high) into the bloodstream (where its concentration is lower).
  2. Carbon dioxide moves from the blood (where its concentration is high) into the alveoli (where its concentration is lower).

Highlight: Gas exchange occurs by the process of diffusion, which is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

The composition of the air we breathe changes as it passes through the respiratory system:

  • Inhaled air:

    • 21% Oxygen
    • 0.03% Carbon dioxide
  • Exhaled air:

    • 16% Oxygen
    • 4% Carbon dioxide

Example: The significant increase in carbon dioxide concentration in exhaled air (from 0.03% to 4%) demonstrates the efficiency of the lungs in removing this waste gas from the body.

This difference in composition highlights the effectiveness of the respiratory system in supplying oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide.

m m m m m m m m m m m m m
THE LUNGS:
mouth
Bronchiole
alveoli
2
lungs
→ Nasal cavity
Breathing:
trachea
→ bronchus
passage of air into the l

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Lungs and Breathing Process

The respiratory system is a complex network of organs and structures that facilitate breathing and gas exchange. This page outlines the pathway of air through the respiratory system and describes the breathing process.

Vocabulary: Alveoli - The grape-like clusters of air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange takes place.

The pathway of air in the respiratory system begins when air enters the body through the mouth or nasal cavity. It then travels through the following structures:

  1. Trachea (windpipe)
  2. Bronchi (two branching tubes connecting the trachea to the lungs)
  3. Bronchioles (smaller branches of the bronchi)
  4. Alveoli (air sacs where gas exchange occurs)

Highlight: The alveoli function as the primary site of gas exchange between the air in the lungs and the blood in the capillaries.

The breathing process, also known as ventilation, consists of two phases:

  1. Inspiration (breathing in):

    • The diaphragm contracts and moves downward
    • Rib muscles contract, expanding the rib cage
    • This increases chest cavity volume and decreases air pressure, drawing air into the lungs
  2. Expiration (breathing out):

    • The diaphragm relaxes and returns to its domed shape
    • Rib muscles relax, allowing the rib cage to move inward and downward
    • This decreases chest cavity volume and increases air pressure, forcing air out of the lungs

Example: During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves down, similar to pulling down on a plunger in a syringe, which draws air into the lungs.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user