Practice Question
What is the primary function of the alveoli in the respiratory system?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
To facilitate gas exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide
Rationale:
💎 Main Function: The alveoli are tiny, thin-walled air sacs located at the terminal ends of the bronchioles in the lungs. Their primary function is to exchange oxygen (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) between the lungs and the bloodstream.
💎 Gas Exchange Process: Oxygen from inhaled air diffuses across the alveolar-capillary membrane into pulmonary capillaries, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. This occurs through simple diffusion driven by partial pressure differences.
💎 Structure and Efficiency: Each lung contains approximately 300 million alveoli, providing a vast surface area for gas exchange. Their walls are one cell thick and surrounded by capillaries, maximizing diffusion efficiency.
💎 Surfactant Role: Alveoli are lined with surfactant, a phospholipid substance that reduces surface tension, preventing alveolar collapse during exhalation and maintaining lung compliance.
💎 Clinical Relevance: Conditions like pneumonia, pulmonary edema, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) impair alveolar gas exchange, leading to hypoxia and respiratory distress.
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This question is from PN-CUSTOM GAS EXCHANGE AND OXYGENATION CLONED ASSESSMENT 2 which contains 50 questions.
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From Exam
PN-CUSTOM GAS EXCHANGE AND OXYGENATION CLONED ASSESSMENT 2
50 Questions
View Full Exam Start PracticingQuestion Details
- Category: LPN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: LPN ATI Exams
- Domain: Medical-Surgical
- Answer Choices: 4