Gce Model Questions Vol1 2020 Biology Question 4

Practice essay / theory question 4 from the 2020 Gce Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination. This question covers human respiratory system, ventilation, gas exchange, clinical respiratory pathology .

Gce Model Questions Vol1 2020 Biology Essay / Theory
Topics: human respiratory system ventilation gas exchange clinical respiratory pathology
Question 4 GCE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2020 • BIOLOGY • essay
Gce Model Questions Vol1 2020 Biology Question 4 diagram

The diagram shows the human respiratory system with the parts labelled as follows: nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, right main bronchus, left main bronchus, bronchioles, alveolar sacs and diaphragm.

Question Parts

( a )
Describe the complete pathway that a breath of air follows from the external environment to the alveoli, naming each structure it passes through.
( b )
Explain the mechanism of gas exchange at the alveolar‑capillary membrane, including the roles of partial pressure gradients and diffusion.
( c )
A patient suffers a blockage in the right main bronchus. Discuss the likely physiological consequences for ventilation and gas exchange, and suggest two clinical interventions that could restore airflow.
( d )
(i) Calculate the functional residual capacity (FRC) of a healthy adult whose total lung capacity (TLC) is 6.0 L and tidal volume (TV) is 0.5 L. (ii) If the same individual’s tidal volume falls to 0.3 L because of the bronchial blockage, assuming residual volume remains unchanged, determine the new FRC and comment on its clinical significance.

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About This Question

This is Gce Model Questions Vol1 2020 Biology Question 4. It is one of the essay questions from the 2020 Gce Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination.

The question covers human respiratory system, ventilation, gas exchange, clinical respiratory pathology .

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