Which part of the respiratory system is responsible for the exchange of gases?

The alveoli are small air sacs located in the lungs, and they play a crucial role in the respiratory system's function of gas exchange. Their thin walls allow oxygen from the air inhaled into the lungs to pass through and enter the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide from the blood can be expelled into the alveoli to be exhaled. This process occurs through diffusion, where gases move from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration.

The alveoli increase the surface area available for gas exchange, maximizing the efficiency of this critical function. Without the alveoli, the body would not be able to effectively oxygenate the blood or remove carbon dioxide, which is vital for maintaining proper physiological balance and overall health. Other parts of the respiratory system, while essential for conducting air (like the larynx, trachea, and bronchi), do not directly participate in the exchange of gases.