LIFE SCIENCES

GRADE 11 CAPS
STRUCTURED, CLEAR,
PRACTICAL - HELPING
TEACHERS UNLOCK THE POWER
OF NCS
KNOWLEDGE AREA:
Life Process in Plants and
Animals.

TOPIC 5.2: Structure of Gas

Exchange System and Breathing
in Humans
SUMMARY OF PRESENTATION

Structure of Gas Exchange System

Mechanism of Breathing

Modification of Breathing Rate in

relation to the Body’s Need
STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE SYSTEM
Human gas exchange system is made up of…
a. Air passages
b. Lungs
c. Breathing muscles

d. Air Passages:
The Nostrils and Nasal Passages:
 the gas exchange system starts with the nostrils.
 There are 2 nostrils.
 Each nostril leads to the nasal cavities.
STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE SYSTEM
 The nostrils are lined by tiny
hairs.
 These hairs remove the dust
from the inhaled air.
 The nasal cavities are
separated from each other by
a vertical septum.
 Each nasal cavity is
incompletely subdivided by 3
turbinate bones.
 The turbinate bones slows
down the inhaled air so that
it can be cleansed, warmed Human Nasal Cavities
and moistened.
STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE
SYSTEM
 The nasal passages are lined by ciliated columnar
epithelium with goblet cells.

 The goblet cells secrete mucus.

 The mucous traps the dust and germs.

STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE
SYSTEM
Trachea:
 The nasal passage
leads to the pharynx.

 The pharynx is a
common area for
both the gas exchange
and digestive system.

 The pharynx leads to Diagram showing pharynx

the trachea.
STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE
SYSTEM
 The larynx or voice box is
found at the top of the
trachea.
 The opening of the trachea is
called the glottis.
 The glottis is covered by a leaf
shaped cartilage called the
epiglottis.
 Remember that the epiglottis
prevents the food from going
down the trachea during
swallowing. The trachea, bronchi and
 This prevents choking. bronchioles
STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE SYSTEM
 The trachea has a large
number of c- shaped
cartilage rings.
 These cartilage rings
function to keep the
trachea open.
 The open portion of the
cartilage ring faces the
oesophagus.
 Thos allows the oesophagus C-shaped cartilage rings
to stretch into the trachea of trachea
when food moves down the
oesophagus.
 STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE
SYSTEM

Position of Trachea, esophagus and c-shaped cartilage rings

STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE SYSTEM
Bronchi and bronchioles
 The trachea then divides to
form two branches.

 Each branch enters each

lung.

 Each branch is called a

bronchus.

 One bronchus goes to the

Diagram showing the
left lung and the other to
bronchi
the right lung.
STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE SYSTEM
 In the each lung the bronchi
divides to form smaller and
smaller branches.
 These smaller branches are
called the bronchioles.
 The smallest bronchioles
end in air sacs called alveoli.
 Both the bronchi and the
bronchioles have cartilage
rings but…
 The smallest bronchioles do
not have cartilage rings! Diagram showing bronchi and
bronchioles
 STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE
SYSTEM
Muscles of the Gas Exchange
System:
 There are 2 muscles
involved gaseous exchange.

 These are the diaphragm

and intercostal muscles.

 We spoke about the

diaphragm earlier.

 The intercostal muscles are

found between the ribs.
STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE
SYSTEM
 There are external and internal intercostal muscles.

 The contraction and relaxation of the intercostal

muscles causes the ribcage to be lowered or lifted.

 The contraction or relaxation of the diaphragm

causes it to flatten or arch.
Adaptations of the Air Passages for their Functions
1. The nostrils are lined by hair this removes any dust and
germs that might enter the nasal passage with the air.
2. The nasal passages are lined with ciliated columnar
epithelial cells with goblet cells, the goblet cells secrete
mucus which traps the dirt and dust that might enter with
the air.
3. The cilia of the ciliated columnar epithelial cells, beat to
drive out the mucus together with the trapped dirt and
germs.
4. The trachea and bronchi have cartilage rings, that keep
the trachea and bronchi open at all times.
5. The trachea has c-shaped cartilage rings to allow the
oesophagus to stretch into the trachea when food moves
down the trachea.
TERMINOLOGY: Trachea
TERM:
Trachea

DEFINITION: USE IN SENTENCE:

Air passage that leads from Trachea carries air rich in
nasal passage to bronchi oxygen from the nasal
passages to the bronchi
TERMINOLOGY: Bronchi
TERM:
Bronchi

DEFINITION: USE IN SENTENCE:

Small air tubes that form Air passes from the trachea
from trachea and end in the to the bronchi
alveoli
TERMINOLOGY: Bronchioles
TERM:
Bronchioles

DEFINITION: USE IN SENTENCE:

These are the smallest The air passes from the
bronchi with no cartilage bronchioles into the alveoli
rings and end in alveoli
ACTIVITY 1: Essay

Trace the flow of air from the time it enters the

nostrils until it reaches the alveoli. At each air tube
explain how the air tube is adapted for its function.

[17]
Synthesis: [3]
Total: [20]
TIPS : Answering essay questions
 An essays is the easiest question in your examination.
 It is also an opportunity to score full marks in the
section.
 It is found in section c as question 4.
 It always carries 20 marks.
 17 marks are for your content, that is the factual
information and synthesis are 3 extra marks.
 Synthesis are for how well you answer the essay.
 These 3 marks maybe allocated as follows:
 Did you answer all the questions completely and correctly?
 Sometimes it is allocated for your language and the use of
paragraphs.
 TIPS : Answering essay questions
1. Always start by reading the question carefully.
Maybe more than once until you understand the
question.

2. Highlight or under all the key words.

3. Now you should have an idea of what the question

expects of you.

4. Start with an introduction and end with a conclusion.

5. Make sure you use paragraphs.

TIPS : Answering essay questions
6. Do not write your essay in bullet form.

7. You will lose marks if you write your answer as a flow

chart or diagram.

8. No extra marks will be awarded for diagrams if they are

not asked for. So do not waste your time drawing
diagrams.

9. Remember that you will not be able to answer this

easy question if you do not study.

10. So study, study, study!

STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE
SYSTEM
LUNGS:
 As mentioned earlier the
trachea branches before
entering each lung.
 The lungs are found in the
thoracic cavity.
 There are 2 lungs.
 These are the right and left
lung.
 We shall now look at the
external and internal Lungs and diaphragm
structure of the lungs.
STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE SYSTEM
EXTERNAL STRUCTURE OF
LUNGS:
 The lungs are cone shaped.
 The wider portion of each
lung touches the diaphragm.
 The diaphragm is a large
sheet of muscle.
 The diaphragm separates the
thoracic cavity from the
abdominal cavity.
 The lungs are covered on the
outer surface by a double External Structure of
membrane. Lungs
 STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE SYSTEM
 This double membrane is
called the pleura.
 The pleura covers the
outside of the lungs and
the inside of the thoracic
cavity.
 A thin film of moisture is
found between the 2
membranes of the pleura.
 The function of the fluid
Position of the Pleural
is to reduce the friction
Membrane
during breathing
movements.
STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE
SYSTEM
 The right lung has 3
lobes while the left
lung only has 2
lobes.

 This is to
accommodate the
heart. Diagram showing the Lobes
of the Lungs
STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE SYSTEM
 The hilum of the lung is
found on the concave
surface of each lung.
 The blood vessels enter
and leave the lung at
the hilum.
 The pulmonary artery
enters the lung.
 The pulmonary vein
leaves the lung.
Position of the Hilum
 The bronchi enter the
lungs at the hilum.
STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE
SYSTEM
INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF
THE LUNG:
 Internally the bronchi
divide and subdivide to
form smaller
bronchioles.

 The tiniest bronchioles

end in air sacs called
alveoli.
Alveoli
 Each lung has a large
number of alveoli.
 STRUCTURE OF GAS EXCHANGE SYSTEM
 Each alveoli is made up of a
single layer of flattened
squamous epithelial cells.
 The alveoli are surrounded by
capillaries.
 These capillaries are
branches of the pulmonary
artery.
 The capillaries rejoin to form
venules.
 The venules eventually join to
form the pulmonary vein. Alveoli
 The pulmonary vein leaves
the lung and carries
oxygenated blood to the
heart.
ADAPTATIONS OF THE ALVEOLI FOR
THEIR FUNCTIONS
1. The alveoli are lobed shaped this increases the
surface area for gas exchange.
2. The alveoli are made up of a single layer of
flattened squamous epithelial cells. This makes
it thin to allow for easy diffusion of gases.
3. The alveoli are surrounded by a large number of
blood capillaries, to transport oxygen to the
tissues and carbon dioxide to the lungs.
4. The capillaries are lined by a single layer of
endothelium cells, making it very thin to allow for
easy diffusion of gases during gaseous exchange.
ADAPTATIONS OF THE ALVEOLI FOR
THEIR FUNCTIONS
5. The capillary have a narrow diameter, this
ensures that the red blood cells are able to pass
in a single line allowing for the absorption of
oxygen by these cells.
6. The blood contains the pigment
haemoglobin, to transport both oxygen and
carbon dioxide.
7. Red blood cells have a biconcave shape
and they are disc-like, this shape increases the
surface area for absorption of oxygen.
TERMINOLOGY: Haemoglobin
TERM:
Haemoglobin

DEFINITION: USE IN SENTENCE:

A pigment that gives blood Oxygen combines with
its red colour and haemoglobin to form
transports gases to and oxyhaemoglobin which is
from the cells. then transported to the
cells.
MECHANISM OF BREATHING:
 Breathing occurs in 2 phases.
 These 2 phases are inhalation and exhalation.
 Inhalation is also known as inspiration or
breathing in.
 Inhalation is the process during which air is
drawn into the lungs.
 Exhalation is also know as expiration or
breathing out.
 Exhalation is the process during which air rich in
carbon dioxide is forced out of the body.
TERMINOLOGY: Inhalation
TERM:
Inhalation

DEFINITION: USE IN SENTENCE:

Process during which air Oxygen enters the lung
rich in oxygen is drawn into through the process of
the lungs inhalation
TERMINOLOGY: Exhalation
TERM:
Exhalation

DEFINITION: USE IN SENTENCE:

The process during which Carbon dioxide leaves the
air rich in carbon dioxide is body through exhalation.
forced out of the body.
MECHANISM OF BREATHING: Inhalation
1. The diaphragm
contracts.

2. It becomes flattened.

3. This increases the length

(top to bottom length) of
the thoracic cavity.

4. The external intercostals

muscles contract.

Inhalation
5. This causes the rib cage to
lift.
 MECHANISM OF BREATHING: Inhalation
6. The contraction of both the external intercostal muscles
and diaphragm increases the size of the thoracic cage.
7. That is both the top to bottom and side to side size of
the thoracic cage increases.
8. This means that volume of the thoracic cage
increases.
9. This decreases the pressure on the lungs. This pressure
on the lungs is called interpleural pressure.
10. Therefore atmospheric pressure is greater than
pressure on the lungs.
11. This difference in pressure causes air rich in oxygen to
be drawn into the lungs through the nostrils and then
air passages.
MECHANISM OF BREATHING: Exhalation
1. The diaphragm relaxes.

2. It returns to its arched

shape.

3. This reduces the top to

bottom length of the
thoracic cage.

4. The external intercostal

muscles relaxes.
Exhalation
5. This causes the rib-cage to
be lowered.
MECHANISM OF BREATHING: Exhalation

6. This reduces the side to side size of the

thoracic cage.
7. The top to bottom and side to side size of the
thoracic cage is reduced.
8. The volume of the thoracic cage is reduced.
9. This increases the pressure on the lung.
10. The atmospheric pressure is therefore greater than
the pressure on the lungs.
11. This causes the air that is rich in carbon dioxide to
be forced out of the lungs.
MODIFICATION OF THE RATE OF BREATHING:
 During strenuous physical activity the body requires
large amounts of energy.
 This energy is released during the process of cellular
respiration.
 Since large amounts of energy is required, more
cellular respiration has to occur at a faster rate.
 Therefore more oxygen would be required.
 Also because more cellular respiration occurs, more
carbon dioxide is produced.
 The breathing rate will have to change in order to get
more oxygen and get rid of the excess carbon dioxide.
It occurs in the following way:
HOMEOSTASIS & THE RATE OF BREATHING:
1. As a result of increased physical activity the rate
of cellular respiration increases.
2. As a result of the increased respiration more
carbon dioxide is released into the blood.
3. This stimulates the medulla oblongata of the
brain.
4. The medulla oblongata sends impulses to the
heart and breathing muscles.
5. This causes the heart to beat faster.
6. This takes blood high in carbon dioxide at a
faster rate from the cells to the lungs.
HOMEOSTASIS & THE RATE OF BREATHING:

7. The abdominal muscles pushes up the diaphragm with

greater force.
8. The breathing muscles speed up the breathing
movements.
9. This results in carbon dioxide leaving the body at a
faster rate and more oxygen entering the body faster.
10. In this way more oxygen gets to the cells.
11. Therefore excess carbon dioxide leaves the body
rapidly and more oxygen enters the body.
12. The levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide return to
normal levels within the body.

13. This is known as homeostasis.

TERMINOLOGY: Homeostasis
TERM:
Homeostasis

DEFINITION: USE IN SENTENCES:

The ability of the body to The ability of the body to
maintain a constant maintain a constant blood
internal environment sugar level is an example of
irrespective of changes in homeostasis.
the external environment.
TERMINOLOGY:
 Homeostasis: the ability of the body to maintain a
constant internal environment irrespective of
changes in the external environment.
 Exhalation: the process during which air rich in
carbon dioxide is forced out of the body.
 Inhalation: process during which air rich in oxygen
is drawn into the lungs.
 Haemoglobin: is a pigment that gives blood its red
colour and transports gases to and from the cells.
 Bi concave shape: when something is curved
inwards on both sides.
TERMINOLOGY:
 Alveoli: little air sacs found at the end of the
smallest bronchioles.
 Pulmonary artery: blood vessel that carries
deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.
 Pulmonary vein: blood vessel that carries
oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
 Hilum: area on the concave surface of the lung
through which the blood vessels and air passages
enter and/or leave the lung.
 Pleura: double membrane lining the outside of the
lung and the inside of the rib-cage.
TERMINOLOGY:
 Trachea: Air passage that leads from nasal passage to
bronchi.
 Bronchi: Small air tubes that form from trachea and
end in the alveoli.
 Bronchioles: these are the smallest bronchi with no
cartilage rings and end in alveoli
 Intercostal Muscles: muscles are found between the
ribs.
 Diaphragm: a sheet of muscle that separates the
thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.
 QUESTION 1
The blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the
lung to heart…

A. Pulmonary artery
B. Pulmonary vein
C. Aorta
D. None of the above
 QUESTION 2
The blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood from
the heart to the lungs…

A. Pulmonary artery
B. Pulmonary vein
C. Aorta
D. None of the above
 QUESTION 3
The air tube found in front of the oesophagus and has c-
shaped cartilage rings…

A. Bronchi
B. Bronchioles
C. Trachea
D. Aorta
 QUESTION 4
Structure found at the top of the trachea…

A. Epiglottis
B. Glottis
C. Larynx
D. trachea
 QUESTION 5
The opening of the trachea is the…

A. Epiglottis
B. Glottis
C. Larynx
D. Bronchus
 QUESTION 6
The leaf-shaped cartilage that can prevent choking is…

A. Epiglottis
B. Glottis
C. Larynx
D. Trachea
 QUESTION 7
The nasal passages are lined by…

A. Ciliated columnar epithelial cells

B. Columnar epithelial cells with goblet cells
C. Squamous epithelial cells
D. Cubiodal epithelial cells
 QUESTION 8
The function of the turbinate bones is to…

A. Slow down the air

B. Prevent the food form going down into the
lungs
C. Separate the nasal cavities
D. Allow for the sensation of smell
 QUESTION 9
When air enters the nasal passages it has to be slowed
down so that it can be…

A. Warmed
B. Moistened
C. Cleansed
D. All of the above
 QUESTION 10
The c-shaped cartilage rings are found only on…

A. Trachea
B. Smallest bronchioles
C. Alveoli
D. None of the above
 QUESTION 11
The structure that is made up of a single layer of flattened
squamous epithelial cells is the…

A. Nostrils
B. Alveoli
C. Trachea
D. Bronchi
 QUESTION 12
The area of the lungs through which the bronchi enters is
called the…

A. Hilum
B. Biconcave area
C. Pleura
D. None of the above
 QUESTION 13
The double membrane found around the lung is called the…

A. Hilum
B. Biconcave area
C. Pleura
D. None of the above
 QUESTION 14
The function of the pleura is to…

A. Increase the surface area for breathing

B. Reduce friction during breathing movements
C. Protects the lungs from mechanical injury
D. Prevents the oxygen from being lost to the
rest of the body
 QUESTION 15
The pleura is adapted for its function by…

A. A thin film of moisture found between the membranes

B. The presence of a large number of blood vessels
C. Being extremely thin
D. Surrounding the lungs
 QUESTION 16
During inhalation the…

A. Diaphragm contracts
B. Intercostal muscle relaxes
C. The diaphragm relaxes
D. The diaphragm becomes arched
 QUESTION 17
During exhalation the…

A. Intercostal muscles relax

B. Rib cage is lowered
C. Rib cage is lifted
D. A and B
 QUESTION 18
When the diaphragm contracts…

A. The back to front size of the rib cage is

increased
B. The top to bottom size of the rib cage is
increased
C. The volume of the rib cage is decreased
D. Pressure on the lung is increased
 QUESTION 19
When the carbon dioxide concentration of the blood is
too high then the…

A. Medulla oblongata is stimulated

B. The breathing movements slow down
C. The blood capillaries around the alveoli
constrict
D. None of the above
 QUESTION 20
Air is drawn into the lungs when…

A. Air pressure is greater than the pressure on

the lung
B. External intercostal muscles relax
C. Diaphragm relaxes
D. Length of thoracic cage decreases
SOLUTIONS TO FINAL ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
1. B 11. B
2. A 12. A
3. C 13. C
4. C 14. B
5. B 15. A
6. A 16. A
7. A 17. D
8. A 18. B
9. D 19. A
10. A 20. A