Which of the following features of the alveolar sacs allows for the ease of diffusion of gasses?
A) They are made of a single layer of simple squamous epithelium.
B) Type II alveolar cells secrete surfactant.
C) Elastin fibers allow the alveoli to stretch thin enough for diffusion to occur.
D) They are made of a single layer of simple squamous epithelium and elastin fibers allow the alveoli to stretch thin enough for diffusion to occur.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The alveolar sacs are made up of a single layer of simple squamous epithelium, which is thin and allows for efficient gas exchange. This is because simple squamous epithelium is only one cell layer thick, which facilitates the diffusion of gases between the alveoli and capillaries. Additionally, the alveolar walls are surrounded by a dense network of pulmonary capillaries, allowing for a large surface area for gas exchange. The other choices (B and C) are also important for proper lung function, but simple squamous epithelium is the most important for allowing efficient gas exchange.

Which of the Following Features of the Alveolar Sacs Allows