The labelled diagram shows the main parts of the human respiratory system, including the trachea, primary bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar sacs and the surrounding capillary network where gas exchange occurs.

If each alveolus is approximated as a sphere of diameter 0.2 mm and the lungs contain 480 million alveoli, calculate the total external surface area of all alveoli available for gas exchange. Express your answer in square metres ($\text{m}^2$).

Question

The labelled diagram shows the main parts of the human respiratory system, including the trachea, primary bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar sacs and the surrounding capillary network where gas exchange occurs.

If each alveolus is approximated as a sphere of diameter 0.2 mm and the lungs contain 480 million alveoli, calculate the total external surface area of all alveoli available for gas exchange. Express your answer in square metres ($\text{m}^2$).

Accepted Answer

Approximately 60 m² of total alveolar surface area.

Gce Model Questions Vol1 2017 Biology Question 3

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