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Ch. 42 - Circulation and Gas Exchange
Chapter 42, Problem 6

If a molecule of CO2 released into the blood in your left toe is exhaled from your nose, it must pass through all of the following except a. the pulmonary vein. b. the trachea. c. the right atrium. d. the right ventricle.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Respiratory System Anatomy

The respiratory system includes structures such as the trachea, bronchi, and lungs, which facilitate the exchange of gases. When CO2 is released into the blood, it travels from the tissues to the lungs, where it is expelled during exhalation. Understanding the pathway of air and blood flow through these structures is crucial for tracing the movement of CO2.
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Circulatory System Pathway

The circulatory system transports blood throughout the body, including the heart's chambers: the right atrium and right ventricle. Blood returning from the body, rich in CO2, enters the right atrium, moves to the right ventricle, and is then pumped to the lungs via the pulmonary artery. This pathway is essential for understanding how CO2 is transported to the lungs for exhalation.
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Gas Exchange Process

Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli of the lungs, where CO2 is exchanged for oxygen. This process is vital for maintaining the body's pH balance and ensuring that oxygen is available for cellular respiration. Recognizing how CO2 moves from the blood into the alveoli and is then exhaled helps clarify the question regarding the pathway of CO2 from the toe to the nose.
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