Which process primarily occurs at the alveolar-capillary membrane?

Which process primarily occurs at the alveolar-capillary membrane?

• A. Filtering of air particles
• B. Gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
• C. Production of surfactant
• D. Mechanical support for lung tissue

Answer: (B)

The process that primarily occurs at the alveolar-capillary membrane is the gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This membrane serves as the critical interface between the air in the alveoli and the blood within the capillaries. During respiration, oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses through the alveolar membrane into the bloodstream, binding to hemoglobin in red blood cells for transport throughout the body. Concurrently, carbon dioxide, a metabolic waste product produced by cells, diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. This efficient exchange is driven by the differences in partial pressures of the gases on either side of the membrane, facilitating the essential process of providing oxygen to tissues and removing carbon dioxide from the body. Other processes mentioned, such as filtering air particles or producing surfactant, occur in the lungs but are not the primary function of the alveolar-capillary membrane itself. Mechanical support for lung tissue relates to the structural aspects of the lungs but does not directly address the function of gas exchange. The focus of the alveolar-capillary membrane is specifically on facilitating this crucial exchange of gases.

The process that primarily occurs at the alveolar-capillary membrane is the gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This membrane serves as the critical interface between the air in the alveoli and the blood within the capillaries.

During respiration, oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses through the alveolar membrane into the bloodstream, binding to hemoglobin in red blood cells for transport throughout the body. Concurrently, carbon dioxide, a metabolic waste product produced by cells, diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. This efficient exchange is driven by the differences in partial pressures of the gases on either side of the membrane, facilitating the essential process of providing oxygen to tissues and removing carbon dioxide from the body.

Other processes mentioned, such as filtering air particles or producing surfactant, occur in the lungs but are not the primary function of the alveolar-capillary membrane itself. Mechanical support for lung tissue relates to the structural aspects of the lungs but does not directly address the function of gas exchange. The focus of the alveolar-capillary membrane is specifically on facilitating this crucial exchange of gases.