External Respiration: The Importance of Gas Exchange for Cellular Respiration

CO2 and O2 in External Respiration

O2 out of air into blood CO2 out of blood into air

External respiration is the exchange of gases between the respiratory system and the environment. During external respiration, two gases in particular are exchanged: oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

Oxygen (O2) is essential for cellular respiration, the process by which cells generate energy in the form of ATP. In external respiration, oxygen diffuses from the environment into the lungs, where it binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells. The oxygen-rich blood is then transported to the cells throughout the body, where it diffuses into the cells and is used in cellular respiration.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a waste product of cellular respiration. It is produced when cells use oxygen to generate ATP. In external respiration, carbon dioxide diffuses from the cells into the blood, where it is transported to the lungs. In the lungs, carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli and is exhaled out of the body.

In summary, external respiration involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the respiratory system and the environment. Oxygen is taken in by the lungs and transported to the cells, where it is used in cellular respiration. Carbon dioxide is produced by the cells and transported by the blood to the lungs, where it is exhaled out of the body.

More Answers:

Upper Respiratory Tract: Organs Involved in Breathing and Air Filtration.
Internal Respiration: The Process of Gas Exchange Between Tissues and Blood.
Internal Respiration: Importance in Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Exchange for Optimal Health

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