This key facts covers Respiratory Diseases and Health within Gas Exchange in Humans for GCSE Biology. Lung structure, alveoli adaptations, breathing mechanism, gas transport in blood, and effects of smoking It is section 9 of 19 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Respiratory Diseases and Health
Asthma
- Cause: Airways become inflamed and narrow
- Symptoms: Wheezing, breathlessness, coughing
- Treatment: Bronchodilators (inhalers) to open airways
- Triggers: Allergens, exercise, cold air, stress
Lung Cancer
- Cause: Usually smoking (90% of cases)
- Symptoms: Persistent cough, breathlessness, chest pain
- Prevention: Don't smoke, avoid secondhand smoke
- Impact: Reduced gas exchange, damaged alveoli
Emphysema
- Cause: Long-term smoking damage
- Effect: Alveoli break down, reduced surface area
- Symptoms: Severe breathlessness, reduced exercise capacity
- Irreversible: Damage cannot be repaired
COVID-19
- Cause: SARS-CoV-2 virus infection
- Effect: Inflammation of alveoli, reduced gas exchange
- Symptoms: Breathlessness, loss of smell/taste
- Severe cases: May require oxygen therapy
Practice questions for Gas Exchange in Humans
Which is the correct order of structures air passes through to reach the lungs?
Explain how the structure of alveoli is adapted for efficient gas exchange.
Quick recall flashcards
What are alveoli?
Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange takes place - oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide leaves
What is the trachea?
The main airway (windpipe) that carries air from the throat to the lungs, reinforced with cartilage rings