[Campbell Biology P.924] Which of the following statements accurately describes the common p... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes the common principle of structural adaptations for exchange shown in the microscopic views of the lung, small intestine, and kidney in Figure 40.4?

  • A: The lung's sponge-like structure maximizes surface area for nutrient absorption.
  • B: The small intestine's finger-like projections primarily filter blood for waste removal.
  • C: The kidney contains ball-shaped structures of blood vessels for efficient gas exchange.
  • D: All depicted internal exchange surfaces (lung, small intestine, kidney) are characterized by structures that greatly increase their surface area.

Explanation

Figure 40.4 illustrates how complex animals have specialized internal surfaces for exchange. The microscopic views of the lung sponge-like , small intestine finger-like projections , and kidney ball-shaped blood vessels all demonstrate extensive branching or folding. This structural adaptation vastly increases the surface area available for efficient exchange of gases lungs , nutrients small intestine , and wastes kidney with the circulatory and interstitial fluids, enabling the needs of a large number of cells to be met.