Question

During inhalation, where would you expect to find a higher concentration of oxygen?

a. in the capillaries
b. in the alveolar air space
c. in the pulmonary artery
d. in the heart

Answer 1

During inhalation, a higher concentration of oxygen is expected in the alveolar air space due to the pressure gradient that causes oxygen to diffuse into the blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

During inhalation, you would expect to find a higher concentration of oxygen in the alveolar air space. Oxygen diffuses out of the alveoli and into the capillaries surrounding the alveoli, and the alveolar partial pressure of oxygen (PALVO2) is higher (about 100 mm Hg) than the blood partial pressure of oxygen (40 mm Hg) in the capillaries. This pressure gradient causes oxygen to diffuse into the blood.