Gas Exchange

Definition

Gas exchange is the biological process by which gases (mainly oxygen and carbon dioxide) move passively by diffusion between the air in the lungs and the blood in capillaries. It is crucial for respiration, allowing oxygen to be absorbed into the bloodstream for cellular use and carbon dioxide to be expelled as a waste product.

Related terms

Alveoli: Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange between the air and blood takes place.

Diffusion: A process by which molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Respiratory System: The network of organs and tissues that help you breathe, including the nose, throat, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs