The structure in the lungs know as the respiratory membrane is where gases are exchanged - oxygen leaves the lungs and enter the blood and carbon dioxide leave the blood and enter the lungs. the respiratory membrane is composed of two extremely thin layers of simple Squamous epithelium explain how the structure of the respiratory membrane follows its function

The respiratory membrane is made of two layer that comes from alveoli and the blood vessel. Oxygen and carbon dioxide will diffuse between the layer. The rate of diffusion can be influenced by the gradient of the gas concentration, the surface area of the reaction and the distance between the vessel and alveolus.

The thin membrane will reduce the distance of the diffusion, thus increasing the diffusion rate.

A thicker membrane will impede the speed of the diffusion, makes the respiratory organ function decline. This can be observed when the lung inflammed (by infection, cancer or other cause), makes the fluid from blood vessel enter the interstitial space.

In summary, gas exchange is the movement of oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide out of the blood across the respiratory membrane in the lungs. This respiratory surface, also known as the respiratory membrane, includes the alveolar epithelial cells as well as the pulmonary capillary endothelial cells.

Oxygen and carbon dioxide can diffuse easily across the thin membrane. In many regions there are no interstitial fluid.

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Oxygen and carbon dioxide can diffuse easily across the thin membrane. In many regions there are no interstitial fluid.

Respiratory membrane

Extracellular material consisting of a basal lamina secreted by epithelial cells and a reticular lamina secreted by underlying connective tissue cells.