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CAIE IGCSE Biology 11.1 Human Gas Exchange & Ventilation

Practise human gas-exchange questions on airway labels, alveolar diffusion, inspired-expired air, exercise breathing and ventilation mechanics.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Biology 0610

Exam points

  • label trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli and link alveoli to diffusion
  • compare inspired and expired air using oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapour data
  • sequence ventilation from muscle contraction to thorax volume, pressure and airflow

Covered syllabus points

11.1.1—Features of gas exchange surfaces11.1.2—Following parts of the breathing11.1.3—Differences in composition between11.1.4—Differences in composition between11.1.5—Effects of physical activity on11.1.6—Internal and external intercostal11.1.7—Function of cartilage in the trachea11.1.8—Ventilation mechanics11.1.9—Differences in composition between11.1.10—Link between physical activity11.1.11—Role of goblet cells, mucus

11.1 Gas exchange in humans question 1

[Maximum number: 16]

Question (a)

(a)

Fig. 6.1 shows part of the human gas exchange system.

Fig. 6.1

Fig. 6.1

[ 10 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Table 6.1 shows the names of some parts of the human gas exchange system, their functions and the letters in Fig. 6.1 that identify the parts.

Complete Table 6.1.

Table 6.1

Table 6.1

[ 7 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

Describe and explain how the alveoli are adapted for gas exchange.

[ 3 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Explain the differences in composition between inspired and expired air.

[ 3 ]

Question (c)

(c)

Physical activity changes the concentration of carbon dioxide in the body.

State where this change is detected and how the body responds to the change.

[ 2 ]

Question (d)

(d)

State the name of a solution that can be used to test for the presence of carbon dioxide gas.

[ 1 ]

11.1 Gas exchange in humans question 2

[Maximum number: 1]

Substances move between blood and tissues at various sites in the circulatory system of mammals.

Oxygen is absorbed into the blood as it passes through the lungs.

State the structures in the lungs where oxygen passes into the blood from the air.

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