Gas exchange

In this chapter, you will learn to:

• Explain the structure of the human respiratory system.

• Identify the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli in microscope slides, photomicrographs, and electron micrographs, and create schematic diagrams of cross-sections of the trachea and bronchus walls.

• Describe and explain the arrangement of tissues and cells within the respiratory system and recognize them in various microscopic images.

• Explain the roles of cartilage, smooth muscle, elastic fibers, and squamous epithelium in the respiratory system.

• Describe how ciliated epithelial cells, goblet cells, and mucous glands contribute to maintaining the health of the respiratory system.

• Describe the process of gas exchange between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the surrounding capillaries.