Air pathway from the atmosphere to alveoli and gaseous exchange
I can describe the pathway of air from the atmosphere through to gaseous exchange in my lungs.
Air pathway from the atmosphere to alveoli and gaseous exchange
I can describe the pathway of air from the atmosphere through to gaseous exchange in my lungs.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Air enters through the mouth/nose, travels down the trachea and bronchi to the alveoli where gaseous exchange occurs.
- Gaseous exchange is the process of diffusion where oxygen moves into the body and carbon dioxide moves out.
- Diffusion is the movement of particles (e.g. oxygen) from an area of high to an area of low concentration.
- Gaseous exchange increases during/immediately after exercise.
Keywords
Trachea - the windpipe that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi, allowing air to pass to and from the lungs
Bronchi - two main branches off the trachea that lead to the lungs, where they further divide into bronchioles
Alveoli - tiny air sacs in the lungs where gaseous exchange between air and blood takes place
Gaseous exchange - the process where oxygen and carbon dioxide are switched between the lungs or the muscles and the bloodstream
Diffusion - the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration
Common misconception
Gaseous exchange only involves oxygen.
Gaseous exchange is when oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse between the lungs and the blood, and then between the blood and muscle tissues.
To help you plan your year 10 physical education lesson on: Air pathway from the atmosphere to alveoli and gaseous exchange, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 physical education lesson on: Air pathway from the atmosphere to alveoli and gaseous exchange, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Anatomy and physiology: the cardio-respiratory system unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
respiratory system
muscular system
cardiovascular system
skeletal system
Exit quiz
6 Questions
