What is the process by which oxgen get into the blood in the capillaries?
Is it respiration?
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "respiration" to get these possible sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respiration_(physiology)
http://www.fi.edu/learn/heart/systems/respiration.html
http://people.eku.edu/ritchisong/301notes6.htm
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
The process by which oxygen gets into the blood in the capillaries is called diffusion. Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. In this case, as oxygen-rich air enters the lungs during inhalation, the oxygen molecules pass through the thin walls of the alveoli (small air sacs in the lungs) and into the bloodstream in the surrounding capillaries.
To understand this process more clearly, let's break it down step by step:
1. Inhalation: When you breathe in, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, expanding the chest cavity and creating negative pressure in the lungs. This negative pressure causes air to rush into the lungs.
2. Alveoli and Capillaries: Inside the lungs, the bronchioles (small airways) branch into smaller air sacs called alveoli. Each alveolus is surrounded by a network of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. The walls of the alveoli and capillaries are very thin, allowing for efficient gas exchange.
3. Oxygen Diffusion: Oxygen molecules move across the walls of the alveoli and into the capillaries through diffusion. This occurs because the concentration of oxygen is higher in the alveoli (due to inhalation) and lower in the capillaries (due to oxygen being delivered to body tissues). Therefore, oxygen molecules naturally move from an area of high concentration (the alveoli) to an area of low concentration (the capillaries).
4. Oxygen Binding: Once oxygen molecules enter the capillaries, they bind to a protein called hemoglobin, which is present in red blood cells. Hemoglobin has a high affinity for oxygen, forming a loose bond with it. This allows the red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body.
It's important to note that this process of oxygen diffusion is facilitated by a healthy respiratory system and proper functioning of the lungs and capillaries. Any issues or diseases affecting these structures can hinder the diffusion of oxygen into the bloodstream.