AQA Biology Exchange Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards derived from the Oxford A Level Sciences AQA Biology Exchange checklist.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

The relationship between the outer boundary area and internal volume of an organism or structure, which decreases as size increases and relates to metabolic rate.

Tracheal System

The gas exchange system found in insects that facilitates gas exchange throughout the organism.

Gills

The specialized gas exchange surfaces present in fish.

Dicotyledonous Plant Leaves

The structures responsible for gas exchange in dicotyledonous plants.

Xerophytic Plants

Plants that display structural and functional compromises to balance efficient gas exchange with the limitation of water loss.

Terrestrial Insects

Insects living on land that show structural and functional compromises between efficient gas exchange and minimizing water loss.

Human Gas Exchange System

The respiratory structure in humans comprising the alveoli, bronchioles, bronchi, trachea, and lungs.

Alveolar Epithelium

The surface tissue in human lungs over which gas exchange takes place.

Intercostal Muscles

Internal and external muscles that interact antagonistically to generate pressure changes in the thoracic cavity during breathing.

Thoracic Cavity

The chest cavity in which pressure changes are brought about by the diaphragm and intercostal muscles to facilitate ventilation.