What aspects of the structure of lung tissue make efficient gas exchange possible?
A) The enormous surface area of the bronchus and trachea, where the very thin-walled alveoli and equally thin-walled pulmonary capillaries make possible extremely rapid diffusion of gases between alveolar air and pulmonary capillary blood
B) A small surface area and the respiratory membrane, where the very thin-walled alveoli and equally thin-walled pulmonary capillaries make possible lower diffusion of gases between alveolar air and pulmonary capillary blood and help retain oxygen in the body
C) The enormous surface area and the respiratory membrane, where the very thin-walled alveoli and equally thin-walled pulmonary capillaries make possible extremely rapid diffusion of gases between alveolar air and pulmonary capillary blood
D) A small surface area such as the pleura, where the very thin-walled alveoli and equally thin-walled pulmonary capillaries make possible extremely rapid diffusion of gases between alveolar air and pulmonary capillary blood

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The enormous surface area and the respiratory membrane, where the very thin-walled alveoli and equally thin-walled pulmonary capillaries make possible extremely rapid diffusion of gases between alveolar air and pulmonary capillary blood, are the aspects of the structure of lung tissue that make efficient gas exchange possible. Option A incorrectly states that the surface area is located in the bronchus and trachea, and also implies that a larger surface area would result in slower diffusion, which is incorrect. Option B incorrectly states that a smaller surface area is favorable for gas exchange and suggests that the respiratory membrane helps retain oxygen, which is not accurate. Option D incorrectly identifies the pleura as the location for gas exchange, which is not correct.

What Aspects of the Structure of Lung Tissue Make Efficient