Question

Draw a diagram to show how a much higher oxygen saturation of the blood can be achieved by a countercurrent exchange system as compared to a parallel exchange system

Accepted Answer

Countercurrent vs parallel:Concentration gradient between water and blood maintained all alongOxygen continues to diffuse down gradient - much higher level of oxygen saturation of blood is achievedIn parallel, diffusion takes place until oxygen and water conc are in equilibrium, no further net movement of oxygen into blood occurs

Front	Draw a diagram to show how a much higher oxygen saturation of the blood can be achieved by a countercurrent exchange system as compared to a parallel exchange system
Back	Countercurrent vs parallel: Concentration gradient between water and blood maintained all along Oxygen continues to diffuse down gradient - much higher level of oxygen saturation of blood is achieved In parallel, diffusion takes place until oxygen and water conc are in equilibrium, no further net movement of oxygen into blood occurs

Oxygen Blood Higher Saturation Achieved Countercurrent Exchange System