On what factors does the rate of diffusion in the alveoli depend on?
The rate of diffusion depends on the following factors:
i. Partial pressure gradients of O2 (pO2) and CO2 (pCO2),
ii. Solubility of the gases.
iii. Thickness of the diffusion surface.
(a) Far more oxygen is released from oxyhaemoglobin in a more active tissue than in a less active one.
(b) Oxygenation of blood promotes the release of carbondioxide from blood in the lungs.
