Gas Exchange : Biomedical Multimedia Unit : The University of Melbourne

Gas Exchange

This program was developed to demonstrate the components and processes involved in the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and tissues.

Gas exchange is fundamental to life and a detailed working knowledge of O₂/CO₂ transfer is central to respiratory medicine. The program provides a learning map for students by following the progress of an inhaled oxygen molecule as it crosses the lung alveolar membrane, binds to haemoglobin, transfers to tissues down concentration gradients and finally exits as CO₂.

The purpose of the program is to provide a core of knowledge represented by the path of O₂. Students are able to use a flexible, interactive teaching program to encourage deeper exploration of the science of gas transfer. Special emphasis is given to developing clinically oriented patient scenarios where the consequences of impaired gas exchange manifest as human disease.

Curriculum Usage

The Gas Exchange program is currently being used in semester 3 of the medical curriculum.

Project Screen Grabs

Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image.

		The title screen for Gas Exchange.

		This screen shows an animation of the alveolar/capillary membrane that illustrates the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide across this membrane; the uptake of oxygen, and the release of carbon dioxide from the blood.

		This screen shows an animation that describes neuronal regulation.

		This simulation allows students to experiment with a basic alveolar/capillary model. Students can adjust the size of the alveolar surface area and/or the thickness of the membrane to see the effect on oxygen uptake.

		An interactive diagram showing the relationship of the pulmonary and systemic circulations.