What process do the lungs facilitate in relation to the blood?

What process do the lungs facilitate in relation to the blood?

• A. Filtration of waste products
• B. Gas exchange, specifically oxygenation of blood
• C. Nutrient absorption from digested food
• D. Hormonal regulation of metabolism

Answer: (B)

The lungs play a critical role in gas exchange, specifically the oxygenation of blood. This process occurs in the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs within the lungs. When air is inhaled, oxygen from the air diffuses across the alveolar membrane into the bloodstream. At the same time, carbon dioxide—a waste product produced by cellular metabolism—diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. This continuous exchange of gases is essential for maintaining the oxygen levels required for cellular function and removing carbon dioxide from the body, thus directly supporting respiratory and circulatory functions. The other options involve functions that do not pertain to the primary responsibilities of the lungs. Filtration of waste products occurs primarily in the kidneys, nutrient absorption is performed by the intestines, and hormonal regulation of metabolism is largely managed by the endocrine system, highlighting that the lungs specifically focus on gas exchange.

The lungs play a critical role in gas exchange, specifically the oxygenation of blood. This process occurs in the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs within the lungs. When air is inhaled, oxygen from the air diffuses across the alveolar membrane into the bloodstream. At the same time, carbon dioxide—a waste product produced by cellular metabolism—diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. This continuous exchange of gases is essential for maintaining the oxygen levels required for cellular function and removing carbon dioxide from the body, thus directly supporting respiratory and circulatory functions.

The other options involve functions that do not pertain to the primary responsibilities of the lungs. Filtration of waste products occurs primarily in the kidneys, nutrient absorption is performed by the intestines, and hormonal regulation of metabolism is largely managed by the endocrine system, highlighting that the lungs specifically focus on gas exchange.