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Introduction to the lesson
In chapter 8, we learned about the cardiovascular system which transports oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues. In this chapter, we will look in more detail at the lungs and their role in gas exchange---quite literally, the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and the lungs. The gas exchange system and the cardiovascular system work together to ensure that respiring cells are provided with oxygen which they can use to create ATP to provide energy for themselves as well as to ensure that the carbon dioxide created by respiring cells leaves the body before it builds up into toxic proportions.
Preparing for the chapter
- What do you think is meant by the term “gas exchange”?
- Why do you think gas exchange is important?
- What gasses are involved in the exchange?
- What organs in the human body do you think are involved in gas exchange?
- How do you think smoking affects the human body?
- What are the harmful ingredients in cigarettes?
First reading of the chapter
Skim through the chapter quickly (as explained in chapter one)
Second reading of the chapter
Now read the chapter in more detail. It is not necessary to take notes as you will work through each section in detail in the following lessons.
Closing
As you end this lesson, ask yourself
- What new things have I learned today?
- What did I already know?
- What still confuses me?
NOTE: This chapter covers section 9 of the Cambridge International AS Biology (9700) syllabus 2016-2018 (p.28).