Video Transcript
What is the primary purpose of the
lungs in the gas exchange system? (A) To pump oxygenated blood around
the body. (B) To bind to oxygen from the
atmosphere. (C) To break down excess glucose
for energy. (D) To inhale and exhale air. (E) To exhale oxygen.
The cells in our body can get
energy from breaking down glucose by using oxygen in a process called cellular
respiration. This process creates the waste
products carbon dioxide and water. Oxygen is inhaled in the air we
breathe. This allows oxygen to enter the
bloodstream so that it can be distributed to the cells in our body. The waste products carbon dioxide
and water can then be transferred to the bloodstream and travel to the lungs to be
excreted as we exhale. This represents the primary purpose
of the lungs in the gas exchange system and is given by answer choice (D): to inhale
and exhale air.
