1. In pathologic conditions where the alveolar membrane is thickened there is little effect on the...

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Medical Sciences

1. In pathologic conditions where the alveolar membrane isthickened there is little effect on the exchange of carbon dioxide,but oxygen diffusion is impaired. Based on your understanding ofthe respiratory membrane function, propose an explanation for thisphenomenon.
2. Would breathing pure oxygen cause a large increase in thepartial pressure of oxygen within the blood stream? Why or whynot?

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1 Both Carbon dioxide and oxygen diffuse through the alveolar membrane for gas exchange in lungs Normally thinner the alveolar membrane faster is the rate of diffusion Solubility of CO2 is higher than the solubility of oxygen in blood CO2 solubility is 24 times higher than that of oxygen Although large differences in partial pressure of the gases compensate for this solubility differences in normal conditions oxygen transport will be slower in diseased states Relative rates of diffusion for Oxygen and CO2 is 085 Hence total See Answer

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