- Wide Moist Surface
- Facilitates easy dissolution and diffusion
- Dense Network of Blood Capillaries
- Transports O2 and CO2
- Haemoglobin
- High affinity for O2
- Found in RBCs
- Delivers O2 to tissue cells
- Ventilation System
- Inhales and exhales air into and out of the lungs
Adaptations of the Lungs:
- Numerous alveoli for gas exchange
- Epithelium between alveoli walls and blood capillaries for faster exchange
- Mucous membrane warms and moistens air
- Epiglottis prevents food and particles from entering the trachea
- Mucus-secreting cells trap dust and pathogens
- Cilia for sweeping action
- Spongy air sacs increase O2 retention
- Dense network of blood capillaries for efficient gas exchange and diffusion