Where are the 2 capillary beds found where gas exchange occurs?
1 Answer
Capillary beds are involved with gas exchange in the lungs.
Explanation:
Capillaries are tiny arteries that carry blood away from the heart and throughout the body. Capillary beds are essentially the networks of these blood vessels that are found in every tissue except cartilage and the cornea.
The capillary beds bring oxygenated blood all over the body. Because the walls of these vessels are so thin, the oxygen can diffuse into the tissues (i.e. respiring muscles) that need them.
The capillary beds are also present in the lungs on the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs. There is a higher concentration of oxygen in the alveoli, so this gas diffuses down its concentration gradient into the capillaries. Conversely, there is a higher concentration of carbon dioxide in the capillaries, so this gas diffuses down its concentration gradient into the lungs. In this way, the alveoli and capillaries are constantly exchanging gases.
