What role does the basement membrane play in the respiratory system?

What role does the basement membrane play in the respiratory system?

• A. Supports alveolar cells
• B. Facilitates gas exchange
• C. Anchors cartilage
• D. Regulates airflow

Answer: (B)

The basement membrane plays a critical role in the respiratory system, particularly in supporting the structure and function of the alveoli, which are the sites for gas exchange in the lungs. It is a thin layer of extracellular matrix that lies between the alveolar epithelium (the lining of the alveoli) and the underlying interstitial tissue. While the basement membrane does contribute indirectly to the process of gas exchange by maintaining the structural integrity of the alveoli, it does so primarily by supporting alveolar cells rather than facilitating gas exchange directly. The actual gas exchange occurs across the alveolar epithelium and the endothelial cells of the capillaries that surround the alveoli. For effective gas exchange to take place, the barrier between air and blood must be thin, which the basement membrane helps to maintain due to its structural properties. The roles of anchoring cartilage and regulating airflow are more related to other components of the respiratory system, such as the bronchial passages and the trachea, and are not directly connected to the primary function of the basement membrane in the alveolar structures. Therefore, supporting alveolar cells provides the closest connection to the critical functions of the basement membrane within the context of the respiratory system.

The basement membrane plays a critical role in the respiratory system, particularly in supporting the structure and function of the alveoli, which are the sites for gas exchange in the lungs. It is a thin layer of extracellular matrix that lies between the alveolar epithelium (the lining of the alveoli) and the underlying interstitial tissue.

While the basement membrane does contribute indirectly to the process of gas exchange by maintaining the structural integrity of the alveoli, it does so primarily by supporting alveolar cells rather than facilitating gas exchange directly. The actual gas exchange occurs across the alveolar epithelium and the endothelial cells of the capillaries that surround the alveoli. For effective gas exchange to take place, the barrier between air and blood must be thin, which the basement membrane helps to maintain due to its structural properties.

The roles of anchoring cartilage and regulating airflow are more related to other components of the respiratory system, such as the bronchial passages and the trachea, and are not directly connected to the primary function of the basement membrane in the alveolar structures. Therefore, supporting alveolar cells provides the closest connection to the critical functions of the basement membrane within the context of the respiratory system.