Water loss during air breathing, Biology

Assignment Help:

Water loss during air breathing

You have learnt that water is lost through the respiratory surface. In the terrestrial vertebrates the evaporative loss is reduced, because the respiratory surface in them (the lungs) is internal to the body cavity. Even within the lungs ventilation of the respiratory epithelium by unsaturated air will cause evaporation of the moisture wetting the epithelial surface. In birds and mammals such evaporative loss is enhanced because of the difference between the body temperature and ambient temperature.

1463_Water loss during air breathing.png

Figure:  Temporal countercurrent system

Warmer air can hold more moisture when saturated than cool air. Since the expired air is warmer than the inspired air, water is lost during expiration. In a number of vertebrates the respiratory loss of water is minimised through a mechanism known as temporal countercurrent system. During inspiration cool air entering the lungs via nasal passage gets warmed by the heat of the nasal passage and absorbs moisture from the respiratory epithelium of the lungs. During expiration, the same air loses most of the heat it gained earlier as it warms the cool nasal passage on its way out. As the expired air gives up some of its heat to the tissue of the nasal passage, most-of the moisture acquired from the respiratory epithelium condenses on the cool nasal epithelium. With the next inhalation, this condensed moisture again contributes to the humidification of the inspired air, and the cycle is repeated.


Related Discussions:- Water loss during air breathing

What are some functions of the cartilages in the human body, What are some ...

What are some functions of the cartilages in the human body? Cartilages are responsible for the structural support of the nose and ears. The trachea and the bronchi are also or

State the concepts of soil- pedology and edaphology, State the concespts of...

State the concespts of soil- pedology and edaphology In the last two centuries of scientific study, two concepts or approaches to the study of soil have evolved.  One called  p

Respiration, how does respiration in animals occur? what is respiration? wh...

how does respiration in animals occur? what is respiration? what are the common types of respiration?

Conservation of biodiversity, Conservation of biodiversity is very importan...

Conservation of biodiversity is very important to maintain the ecological balance of ecosystem. Various steps for conservation of biodiversity: 1.           Creation of consc

What is the morphological feature of molluscs, Q What is the morphological ...

Q What is the morphological feature of molluscs after which the phylum is named? The word "mollusc" imply "soft thing". Molluscs have soft bodies and this feature describes the

What is the importance of vitamin C, Importance of Vitamin c Vitamin C ...

Importance of Vitamin c Vitamin C is involved in redox processes in the organisms. It is possible, that vitamin C exerts its physiological function as a redox  substance in com

Suicide cells, significant role of suicide cells?

significant role of suicide cells?

Explain amylase, Amylase The presence of pancreatic amylase brings abou...

Amylase The presence of pancreatic amylase brings about  the breakdown  of starch  and glycogen and  its action is similar to salivary amylase. The hydrolysis of  starch and gl

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd