Respiratory System Lesson Objectives: Recap on O2 journey Characteristics of alveoli Function of alveoli
Alveoli How do we breathe? Lungs take in oxygen & breathe out carbon dioxide This gas exchange takes place in the alveoli of the lungs.
Characteristics of Alveoli Each alveolus is smaller than a grain of salt. The walls are thin and moist Surrounded by a capillary network (tiny blood vessels)
Characteristics of Alveoli Why do you think there are millions of tiny ones rather than one big one? Surface area – the exchange of gases is far more efficient if there is a greater surface area for it to diffuse through.