Neco 2019 Biology Question 4

Practice essay / theory question 4 from the 2019 Neco Biology examination. This question covers respiration, human anatomy, ventilation, gas exchange, diffusion .

Neco 2019 Biology Essay / Theory
Topics: respiration human anatomy ventilation gas exchange diffusion
Question 4 NECO • 2019 • BIOLOGY • essay

The diagram shows the major structures of the human respiratory system, labelled A–H.

Question Parts

( a )
Describe the pathway of air from the external environment to the site of gas exchange, mentioning each labelled structure in the correct order.
( b )
Explain the role of the diaphragm (H) in ventilation, describing how its movement alters thoracic volume and pressure.
( c )
The partial pressure of oxygen (PO₂) in alveolar air is 100 mmHg while in the blood of pulmonary capillaries it is 40 mmHg. Using Fick’s law, discuss how this gradient influences the rate of diffusion of oxygen and state two factors that could affect this rate.
( d )
A person moves from sea level (atmospheric pressure 760 mmHg) to an altitude where the atmospheric pressure is 560 mmHg. Assuming alveolar PO₂ is directly proportional to atmospheric pressure, estimate the new alveolar PO₂ and discuss one physiological adaptation that helps maintain oxygen supply at high altitude.

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About This Question

This is Neco 2019 Biology Question 4. It is one of the essay questions from the 2019 Neco Biology examination.

The question covers respiration, human anatomy, ventilation, gas exchange, diffusion .

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