Factors that affect the rate of diffusion of a given gas across the respiratory membrane include all of the following EXCEPT
A) surface area of the membrane
B) thickness of the membrane
C) solubility of the gas
D) difference in partial pressures of the gas on the two sides of the membrane
E) partial pressure of other gases that may be present

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate of diffusion of a gas across the respiratory membrane is influenced by the surface area of the membrane, the thickness of the membrane, the solubility of the gas, and the difference in partial pressures of the gas on the two sides of the membrane. The partial pressure of other gases does not directly affect the rate of diffusion of a given gas, as each gas diffuses independently according to its own partial pressure gradient.

Factors That Affect the Rate of Diffusion of a Given