Understanding Gas Exchange: Diffusion in the Lungs

The process of gas exchange from alveoli to capillaries is driven by diffusion. Diffusion is the net movement of molecules or particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the lungs, oxygen molecules diffuse from the alveoli into the capillaries, while carbon dioxide molecules diffuse from the capillaries into the alveoli. This exchange of gases is essential for respiration, as it allows the body to take in the oxygen it needs and expel the carbon dioxide it produces.