Biology STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

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Study for the Biology STAAR Test. Dive into the world of biology with detailed assessments, practice questions, and tips for exam success. Enhance your understanding and be prepared to excel!

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What is the primary role of the respiratory system's alveoli?

To deliver oxygen to the heart
To facilitate gas exchange
To filter pollutants from the air
To regulate blood pressure

The correct answer is: To facilitate gas exchange

The primary role of the respiratory system's alveoli is to facilitate gas exchange. Alveoli are tiny, balloon-like structures located at the end of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. These small air sacs are surrounded by a mesh of capillaries, which are tiny blood vessels. When air enters the lungs, it fills the alveoli, allowing oxygen to pass through their thin walls and into the bloodstream. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, moves from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. This process of gas exchange is essential for maintaining the body's oxygen supply and removing carbon dioxide, thereby playing a critical role in respiration. The structure of the alveoli, with their large surface area and thin walls, makes them perfectly adapted for efficient gas exchange.