Content Objective: Examine the structural and functional properties of gas-exchange surfaces and their maintenance in animals, including permeability, thin layers, moisture, large surface area, dense blood vessel networks, and ventilation mechanisms. Explore mammalian lung adaptations such as surfactants, bronchiole branching, capillary beds, and alveolar design, alongside methods for measuring lung volumes such as tidal volume and vital capacity.
Language Objective: Describe and compare anatomical features and physiological processes essential for effective gas exchange in animals, employing terms like "permeability," "ventilation," "capillary beds," and "vital capacity." Construct and interpret graphical representations of lung volume measurements.
Syllabus Details:
B3.1.2—Properties of gas-exchange surfaces - "Include permeability, thin tissue layer, moisture and large surface area."
B3.1.3—Maintenance of concentration gradients at exchange surfaces in animals - "Include dense networks of blood vessels, continuous blood flow, and ventilation with air for lungs and with water for gills."
B3.1.4—Adaptations of mammalian lungs for gas exchange - "Limit to the alveolar lungs of a mammal. Adaptations should include the presence of surfactants, a branched network of bronchioles, extensive capillary beds and a high surface area."
B3.1.5—Ventilation of the lungs - "Students should understand the role of the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, abdominal muscles and ribs."
B3.1.6—Measurement of lung volumes - "Students should make measurements to determine tidal volume, vital capacity, and inspiratory and expiratory reserves."
Activity 1 - Notes on Respiration in Animals
Activity 2 - Measurement of lung volumnes
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