0
$\begingroup$

My question is:

$O_2$ and $CO_2$ pass to (in & out) the bloodstream due to difference in partial pressure and its permeability to those gases (I suppose that's why no $N_2$ passes). So, to what other molecules do lungs are permeable and what molecules can and can't pass to the bloodstream from the lungs?

Thank you.

| improve this question | |
$\endgroup$
  • $\begingroup$ VTC as too broad. All manner of things pass into the blood through the lungs. Anesthetic gasses like halotane, aerosolized drugs (vaping TC), CO, and too many others to list. $\endgroup$ – anongoodnurse Oct 14 '19 at 4:35
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ Nitrogen do indeed pass to the bloodstream from the lungs. That is what divers experience when breathing compressed air. It causes decompression sickness and nitrogen narcosis. $\endgroup$ – FrankS Oct 14 '19 at 8:59
  • $\begingroup$ For the N2, we do not absorbe a lot of that, do we? I mean, where can I find the proportions of absorption (most of air is N2 but we don't absorb that proportion of N2 from air although N2 partial pressure is higher than O2). Do we absorbe all gases that go through lungs? Must say I'm really noob in these themes, so thank you for your answers. $\endgroup$ – Adrián Oct 14 '19 at 11:35
  • $\begingroup$ When the blood is in equilibrium with the ambient atmosphere, the net transport of N2 to and from the blood is equal to zero. However, this dosen´t mean that no nitrogen crosses the blood-lung membrane, only that the amount entering equals the amount leaving. $\endgroup$ – FrankS Oct 14 '19 at 13:35
  • $\begingroup$ SOME ANSWERS HERE google.com/… $\endgroup$ – com.prehensible Oct 16 '19 at 9:42

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.