What does internal respiration involve?

What does internal respiration involve?

• A. The exchange of gases between alveoli and blood
• B. The exchange of gases between blood and body tissues
• C. The inhalation of oxygen from the environment
• D. The exhalation of carbon dioxide

Answer: (B)

Internal respiration specifically refers to the process of gas exchange between the blood and the body's tissues. During this process, oxygen is delivered from the blood to the cells, where it is used for metabolic processes, while carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, is transported from the tissues back into the bloodstream. This exchange occurs at the level of the capillaries, where the oxygen concentration in the blood is higher than in the tissues, facilitating the movement of oxygen into cells. Simultaneously, the higher concentration of carbon dioxide in the tissues compared to the blood encourages its diffusion into the bloodstream. The other choices mention aspects of respiration but do not accurately define internal respiration. The first choice describes external respiration, which is concerned with the exchange of gases in the alveoli of the lungs. The inhalation of oxygen from the environment refers to the process of breathing in, which is also part of external respiration. Lastly, the exhalation of carbon dioxide is part of the respiratory cycle but does not encapsulate the concept of internal respiration. Thus, the correct answer highlights the crucial role of internal respiration in delivering oxygen to cells and removing carbon dioxide effectively.

Internal respiration specifically refers to the process of gas exchange between the blood and the body's tissues. During this process, oxygen is delivered from the blood to the cells, where it is used for metabolic processes, while carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, is transported from the tissues back into the bloodstream. This exchange occurs at the level of the capillaries, where the oxygen concentration in the blood is higher than in the tissues, facilitating the movement of oxygen into cells. Simultaneously, the higher concentration of carbon dioxide in the tissues compared to the blood encourages its diffusion into the bloodstream.

The other choices mention aspects of respiration but do not accurately define internal respiration. The first choice describes external respiration, which is concerned with the exchange of gases in the alveoli of the lungs. The inhalation of oxygen from the environment refers to the process of breathing in, which is also part of external respiration. Lastly, the exhalation of carbon dioxide is part of the respiratory cycle but does not encapsulate the concept of internal respiration. Thus, the correct answer highlights the crucial role of internal respiration in delivering oxygen to cells and removing carbon dioxide effectively.