The respiratory and cardiovascular systems of vertebrate animals work in tandem to transport oxygen to metabolizing tissues and to eliminate carbon dioxide as a waste gas. Which of the following statements accurately describes how these systems interact for gas exchange? Select all that apply. Bulk flow of gases and solutes works well over long distances, whereas diffusion is effective only over very short distances. The rate of oxygen transport by diffusion across the lungs must generally match the rate of transport by the circulatory system. The rate of gas exchange by diffusion need not match rates of ventilation or circulatory transport. Bulk flow of gases and solutes works well over short distances, whereas diffusion is effective over longer distances.

Bulk flow of gases and solutes works well over long distances, whereas diffusion is effective only over very short distances.

The rate of oxygen transport by diffusion across the lungs must generally match the rate of transport by the circulatory system.

Explanation:

The respiratory system is responsible for the intake of oxygen and removal of CO2 from the body while the cardiovascular system is responsible for the transport of these respiratory gases and other substances such as nutrients, wastes, hormones all over the body. To ensure their coordination, the rate of gaseous exchange at the lungs should match the rate of blood flow in blood vessels.

Bulk flow and diffusion are the passive processes responsible for the transport of solutes and respiratory gases in the body. Diffusion moves the gases and substances down their concentration gradient but is effective over shorter distances only. Bulk flow moves a large number of substances in the same direction from the region of higher pressure to their lower pressure. Since diffusion can not transport the substances all over the body and is a relatively slow process, other processes such as bulk flow assist in transport.