• Question: In our lungs why does we have millions of small tiny sacks?

    Asked by you cant see me to Andy, Duane, Giovanna, Katie, Theresia on 15 Nov 2014.
    • Photo: Giovanna Bermano

      Giovanna Bermano answered on 15 Nov 2014:

      The lungs to do their job of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide gases, need to have a large area of contact with air from the environment. Having many small tiny sacks (called alveoli) increases the surface area for gas exchange…..more surface for the same volume/space of the lungs!!!

    • Photo: Duane Mellor

      Duane Mellor answered on 15 Nov 2014:

      I think Giovanna has it well covered, I wonder if the shape of the air sacs may help to reduce moisture loss too?

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