Anatomy and Structure of the

Gaseous Exchange System

(a) [PA] describe the structure

of the human gas exchange
system, including the
microscopic structure of
the walls of the trachea,
bronchioles and alveoli with
their associated blood vessels;

Bronchiole and Trachea in transverse section

Several different types of tissues made of specialised cells work together to form
a functional unit whose purpose is to deliver air to and remove air from the gas
exchange surface of the alveoli

(b) [PA] describe the distribution of

cartilage, ciliated epithelium, goblet
cells and smooth muscle in the
trachea, bronchi and bronchioles;

Airway

Number Approximate
diameter

Cartilage

Goblet
cells

Smooth
muscles

Cilia Site of gas

exchange

Trachea

1.8cm

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Bronchus

1.2cm

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Terminal
bronchiole

48 000

1.0mm

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

Respiratory
bronchiole

300000

0.5mm

No

No

No

Yes

No

Alveolar
duct

9 x 106

400m

No

No

No

No

Yes

Alveoli

9 x 109

250m

No

No

No

No

Yes

(c) describe the functions of cartilage,

cilia, goblet cells, smooth muscle and
elastic fibres in the gas
exchange system;

Cells:
Ciliated cells - the most numerous of the cell types, extend through the full thickness
of the epithelium. The epithelium is pseudostratified. The base of every cell actually
rests on the basement membrane, therefore it is simple, not stratified. However, the
epithelial cells are of different heights, there are short basal cells and tall columnar
cells, and their nuclei are seen at different levels. This gives the epithelium a stratified
appearance. Because it contains tall cells, it is called a pseudostratified, columnar
epithelium.
Function: provide a coordinated sweeping motion of the mucus coat - "ciliary
escalator" to the pharynx - that serves as an important protective mechanism for
removing small inhaled particles
Mucus (goblet) cells - are interspersed among the ciliated cells and also extend
through the full thickness of the epithelium. Goblet cells are interspersed among the
ciliated cells and also extend the full length of the epithelium. The mucinogen granules
are found in the cytoplasm at the apical end. The thick mucus extends the apical end,
rendering the cell wineglass-shaped (hence its name). The nucleus is flattened at the
base of the mucus cup.
Function: unicellular mucin-secreting
Brush cells - you will not be able to distinguish in standard preparations. Columnar
cells that bear microvilli. The basal surface is in synaptic contact with the
afferent nerve endings that penetrate the basal lamina.
Function: receptor cells of general sensation

Cartilage
Ciliated epithelium
Smooth Muscle
Longitudinal Muscle
Elastic Tissue
Goblet Cells

Pseudostratified ciliated
columnar epithelium

Pseudostratified ciliated
columnar epithelium

Simple squamous epithelium

Submucosa
- serous and mucous glands in the submucosa of the
trachea.
- The serous glands secrete a watery proteinaceous product,
while the mucous glands secrete a viscous, heavier product
called mucus.
- The ducts of the glands pass through the layer(submucosa)
and epithelium to empty into the lumen (surface)
- The lumen is obscured as it approaches the epithelium.
(This is a frequent phenomenon of sectioning.)

Cartilage
- The matrix of cartilage typically stains a purplish color
(depending on the preparation).
- Staining is most intense around the cartilage cells, which are
called chondrocytes and sit in spaces called lacunae.
- Chondrocytes are often found in clusters.
- The chondrocytes occupy the whole lacuna, but they
frequently shrink during preparation, and the lacunae appear
as spaces around cells.
- Function: provide flexibility to the tracheal pipe and maintain
the lumen of being opened.
- The trachealis muscle is smooth muscle. Its functions to
narrow the tracheal lumen so when you cough, the narrower
the trachea, the faster the air moves and can propel
whatever is making you cough out of the trachea.

Hyaline cartilage

Smooth muscle
- One of three types of muscle
found in the body (cardiac and
skeletal being the other two). The
muscle is involuntary, which means
that it is controlled by the
autonomic nervous system.
Movement alters size of the
bronchial lumen

Elastic fibre
- Found in connective tissue, the
fibre can stretch up to 1.5 times its
normal size and springs back. It
works in conjunction with smooth
muscle to maintain a stressed
airway. It is said to give the
structure recoil ability to return
back to its usual shape and size.

Bronchus Artery Pair

Bronchus

Bronchiole

Respiratory Bronchioles

Respiratory Bronchioles

Respiratory Bronchiole with

alveolar duct

(d) describe the process of gas

exchange between air in the
alveoli and the blood;

Alveoli
Alveoli have a very thin epithelial lining
surrounded by many blood capillaries that
carry deoxygenated blood.
They provide a short distance and a large surface
area over which oxygen and carbon dioxide can be
exchanged.
They also contain elastic fibres which expand to
allow air in and snap back to help force out air.

Features of the mammalian lung that enable efficient gas

exchange
Individual alveoli are only
100-300 micrometers
across, very numerous
(about 300-500 million)
total surface area =
approx 70 m2
Alveoli walls are one cell
thick, plasma membranes
surround a very thin layer
of cytoplasm.
Capillary wall is only one
cell thick

Features of the mammalian lung that enable efficient gas

exchange
Cells are squamous,
flattened
Capillaries in close
contact with alveolus
wall
Capillaries very narrow
so RBCs are squeezed
close to the walls and
so close to the air in the
alveoli

Features of the mammalian lung that enable efficient gas

exchange
Surfactant (inner alveolar
lining) produced by cells of
the alveolar surface
(a) lowers the surface tension
of the fluid layer lining the
alveolus, prevent the
alveolus from collapsing;
Easier to breath
(b) Speeds up transport of O2
and CO2 between air and
the liquid lining the
alveolus
(c) Helps to kill any bacteria
which reach the alveoli.

Features of the mammalian lung that enable efficient gas

exchange
Total diffusion distance
from inside alveolus to
inside RBC is only about
1 micrometer
Ventilation and blood
transport maintains
concentration gradients
of oxygen and carbon
dioxide for efficient gas
exchange

Gaseous Exchange in the

alveolar

 Oxygen diffuses across

the barrier of epithelium
of the alveolus and the
endothelium of the
capillary.
Passes into the blood
plasma
Combines with the
haemoglobin the red
blood cells to form
oxyhaemoglobin.
CO2 diffuses in the
reverse direction from
the blood to the alveoli.

 Diffusion is efficient because

Alveoli have a large surface
area
The gases have a short distance
to travel
A steep diffusion gradient is
maintained by ventilation
A good blood supply and the
presence of an oxygen-carrying
compound hemoglobin.
Surfactant is present.

(e) describe the effects of tar

and carcinogens in tobacco
smoke on the gas exchange
system;
(g) describe the effects of
nicotine and carbon monoxide
on the cardiovascular systems;

Lung disease

Lung cancer
Emphysema
Chronic bronchitis
COPD

Cardiovascular
Diseases

Atherosclerosis
Strokes

Coronary Heart
Disease

Angina
Heart failure
Heart attack

Tobacco smoke
There are three main components that are
hazardous to health.
(i) Nicotine
(ii) Carbon monoxide
(iii)Tar

 Nicotine - is the addictive element of

cigarettes, stimulates the nervous system
to reduce arteriole diameter and release
adrenaline
increasing heart rate and blood
pressure.
Causes increased stickiness of blood
platelets, which increases the risk of
blood clotting.

 Carbon monoxide - combines irreversibly

with haemoglobin meaning that oxygen
cannot bind effectively.
This causes a strain on the heart muscle
because it must pump more to provide the
same amount of oxygen

 Tar - settles in the lungs and stimulates a

series of changes that lead to obstructive
lung disease and lung cancer

(f) describe the signs and

symptoms of lung cancer and
chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (emphysema and
chronic bronchitis);
(h) explain the link between
smoking and atherosclerosis,
coronary heart disease and
strokes;

Lung Cancer
tar in tobacco smoke contains several
carcinogens.
These can make DNA in epithelial cells lining
the lungs mutate, which is the first step
towards a malignant tumour.

 This tumour then develops into the lymphatic system

after spreading through bronchial epithelium
it is here, in the lymph system where cancerous cells
can break away and spread around the organ, causing
secondary tumours.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

(a) Chronic bronchitis
- Inflammation of the lining of the air
passages and may be chronic or acute.
- Acute bronchitis usually lasts a few days
only and is a side effect of an infection like a
cold.
- Chronic bronchitis has a gradual onset and
last for a longer duration than its acute
counterpart.

 Most commonly caused by smoking and to a

lesser extent air pollution.
Tars in the cigarette smoke causes the
inflammation
Secretion of excess mucus from the goblet cells in
response to the irritation
Smoking destroys/paralyses the cilia which
normally sweep away the nucleus inhibits the
cleaning action of the cilia.
Frequent coughing of greenish-yellow sputum.
Breathlessness increase as damaged epithelia are
replaced by scar tissues narrowing the bronchi
and bronchioles.

(b) Emphysema
Inflammation of the constantly infected lungs
causes phagocytes to leave blood and line the
airways.
To reach the lining of the lungs from the
capillaries, phagocytes release elastase
This enzyme destroys elastin in the walls of
the alveoli
Elastin is responsible for the recoil of the
alveoli when we breathe out

 Bronchioles collapse during exhalation,

trapping air in the alveoli, which burst
Hence there is a reduced of surface area for
gaseous exchange, causing breathlessness.

Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular diseases are degenerative
diseases of the heart and circulatory system
And are caused by many factor multifactorial

 diseases that involve the heart or blood

vessels (arteries and veins)
(a) Artherosclerosis
(b) Coronary heart disease
(c) Strokes
Related to nicotine and carbon monoxide
found in cigarette smoke.

Nicotine and Cardiovascular Disease

NICOTINE is a CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
stimulant that acts on nerves throughout the
body.
In the cardiovascular system, nicotine
stimulates the nerves that regulate smooth
MUSCLE tissue, causing smooth muscle cells
to contract.
This constricts blood vessels, notably arteries,
reducing the channel for blood flow.

 Nicotine further stimulates the baroreflex

sensors (clusters of NERVE cells in the major
arteries and the heart that sense the flow and
pressure of blood).
These actions result in increased blood
pressure, HEART RATE, and cardiac workload.
Nicotine further acts as an irritant within the
arteries, causing INFLAMMATION of the inner
layer of the arterial wall.
Researchers believe such inflammation may be
the foundation for atherosclerosis.

CO and cardiovascular disease

Carbon monoxide is a poison. It has a greater
affinity than oxygen for HAEMOGLOBIN and
binds with hemoglobin to form
carboxyhaemoglobin, blocking haemoglobin
from carrying oxygen.
This reduces the amount of oxygen that
enters the bloodstream from the LUNGS.

CO and cardiovascular disease

By the end of a cigarette, a smoker can have
concentrations of carbon monoxide as high as
7%; 10% is the level at which symptoms of
carbon monoxide poisoning begin to become
apparent.
Carbon monoxide in the bloodstream deprives
cells in the BRAIN and heart, which rely on
oxygen for fuel

Atherosclerosis
Starts with accumulation of fatty materials in
artery walls.
Reduces flow of blood to tissues and may also
increase the chance of blood clots forming
within the artery, obstructing the flow of
blood entirely.
Build up which contains cholesterol, fibres,
dead muscle cells and platelets is called
atheroma.

 Once fibers are deposited in the cholesterol,

and these often start to calcify and become
hard, a process known as arteriosclerosis.

Normal
cross
section
of the
artery
wall.
Fatty
material is
deposited in
vessel wall.
Atheroma
deposits in
the inner
wall and
roughening
the artery

Damage to
artery wall
possibly by
high blood
pressure,
CO or
nicotine

Narrowed
artery
becomes
blocked by
a blood clot

Stroke
A stroke occurs when an artery in the brain
(a) Bursts so that blood leaks into brain tissues
(brain haemorrhage)
(b) Is blocked due to artherosclerosis or a
thrombus.

Stroke
The brain tissue in the area supplied by the
artery is starved of oxygen and dies (cerebral
infarction)
A stroke may be fatal or cause mild or severe
disability.
Depending on how large the area of brain
infected.

Coronary Heart Disease

Two coronary arteries branch from the aorta
to supply all the muscles of the atria and the
ventricles.
Coronary heart disease is a disease of these
arteries that causes damage to or malfunction
of the heart.

 Three forms of coronary heart disease:

(a) Angina pectoris
(b) Heart attack
(c) Heart failure

Angina pectoris
Severe chest pain brought on by exertion (e.g.
exercise)
Pain is caused by severe shortage of blood to the
heart muscle, but there is no death to the heart
tissue.

Heart Attack

A.k.a myocardial infarction.

Part of the heart is starved of oxygen and dies
Causes sudden and severe chest pain
May survive if treated immediately.

Heart failure
Due to blockage of a main coronary artery
Result in gradual damage of heart muscle
The heart weakens and fails to pump
efficiently.

(j) discuss the difficulties in

achieving a balance between
preventions and cure with
reference to coronary
heart disease, coronary by-pass
surgery and heart transplant
surgery;

Treatment to coronary heart

disease (CHD)

Drugs.
Coronary artery by-pass surgery.
Heart Transplant.
Angioplasty.

Drugs
Used to lower blood pressure, decrease risk of blood clotting,
prevent abnormal heart rhythms, reduce retention of fluids and
decrease the cholesterol
ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors
are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Examples
include captopril and enalapril.
If you have a high blood cholesterol level, cholesterol-lowering
medicine called statins may be prescribed. Examples include
simvastatin, pravastatin and atorvastatin. They work by blocking
the formation of cholesterol and increasing the number of LDL
receptors in the liver, which help to remove the LDL cholesterol
from your blood

Coronary artery bypass surgery

Invasive surgery involves replacing the
damaged artery by blood vessels from the
leg.
The bypass carries blood from the aorta to
a place on the heart beyond the blockage
in the coronary artery. Sometimes two or
three bypass is necessary.

Heart Transplant

Very high cost

Difficulties in finding suitable donor
Make sure that the host do not reject donors tissue.
Drugs are used to suppress the immune system
after the transplant which may produce unpleasant
side effects and may not entirely prevent rejection.
There are strict rules on deciding who should
receive transplant. Smokers who didnt listen to
advice will be rejected from being in the transplant
list.

Angioplasty
Less invasive procedure.
Involves stretching the coronary arteries
by inserting a deflated balloon in the
femoral artery in the leg, positioning it in
the narrowed coronary artery and
expanding the balloon several times.

Prevention of CHD
Prevention is more cost effective than
treatment.
Two major ways;
Screen for population at risk
Adopting healthy lifestyle