respiration occurs in the microscopic alveoli area of the lung.
respiration occurs in the microscopic alveoli area of the lung.
in what area of the lung does respiration occur?
microscopic alveoli
Na
Na
pressure gradients for respiration occur in two different locations, the buccal/nares (mouth and nostril) region, and in the lungs of the amphiuma. the first system for respiration occurs in the buccal/nares through a two-cycle pressure-induced buccal/nares process. this system is defined by the amphiuma performing one full cycle of body expansion and compression in order to inhale and another full cycle to exhale, which is a unique process that utilizes both the buccal cavity and the nares (openings of nostrils). the buccal cavity creates pressure that aids in driving the cycles of expansion and compression required for respiration, although it was found that the buccal pressure gradient alone was not enough to drive respiration in the "amphiuma tridactylum". rather, the buccal cavity allows for small pressure changes that are thought to have an olfactory purpose. this buccal/nares component to the amphiuma respiratory process supplements the contribution performed by the lung. it is the pressure control performed in the lungs that drive the inhalation and exhalation forces through the flexing of smooth muscle in the lung. in order to exhale, amphiuma push air from their lungs into their buccal cavity, distending the cavity, before releasing the air. without inhaling, the amphiuma repeat the process, exhaling a second volume of air that allows them to completely empty their lungs. only after both exhales can they then inhale, using a negative pressure gradient made by the smooth muscles in their lungs to take in air.
amphiuma