There are two main types of gas exchanges in the respiratory system. Alveolar gas exchange or external respiration and the systemic gas exchange which is also considered to be internal respiration. The Alveolar Gas exchange is the inhalation of Oxygen and the exhalation of Carbon Dioxide into the pulmonary artery. The pressure gradients affect how oxygen can diffuse down across the respiratory membrane from the alveolar air into the blood, or carbon dioxide diffusing from the capillary into the alveolus. Pressure gradients, membrane thickness and surfaces areas all can affect how gases travel throughout the body.
Systemic Gas exchange or internal respiration is the unloading of oxygen and the loading of carbon dioxide at the systemic capillaries.
Systemic Gas exchange or internal respiration is the unloading of oxygen and the loading of carbon dioxide at the systemic capillaries.