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A-Level Biology OCR A

Elastic Lung Alveoli Air Describe Importance Fibres Surfactant

Elastic fibers in alveoli facilitate expansion and recoil for airflow, while lung surfactant is a solution that maintains alveolar inflation.

Elastic fibers in alveoli allow them to stretch during inhalation and recoil during exhalation, aiding airflow, while lung surfactant is a solution that keeps the alveoli inflated.

Front Describe the importance of elastic fibres and lung surfactant in the function of alveoli.
Back Elastic fibres:
  • Allow alveoli to stretch when air is drawn in, when they return to their resting size they help squeeze air out - elastic recoil of lungs

Lung surfactant:
  • Thin solution layer the inner surface is covered with that makes it possible for alveoli to remain inflated at the end of exhalation

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