Important Notes For NEET Biology - Breathing and Exchange of Gases

Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place between the air and the blood.

Asthma is caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty in breathing, often triggered by allergens, pollutants, or respiratory infections.

Residual volume is the amount of air remaining in the lungs after a forceful expiration. It prevents lung collapse and ensures continuous gas exchange even between breaths.

The diaphragm contracts during inspiration, increasing thoracic cavity volume and reducing pressure to draw air into the lungs. It relaxes during expiration, reducing volume and increasing pressure to expel air from the lungs.

Oxygen is transported in the blood primarily by binding to haemoglobin in red blood cells, forming oxyhaemoglobin.

The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of gases, mainly oxygen and carbon dioxide, between the body and the environment.