Gaseous Exchange
Gaseous exchange in animals
The majority of animals need oxygen in order to oxidize the organic materials and produce energy for cellular activities.
The oxidation of the food not only yields energy but also carbon dioxide which must be constantly removed from the body.
The process of moving oxygen into the body and carbon dioxide out of the body is called breathing in or ventilation. Gaseous exchange involves the passage of carbon dioxide through a respiratory surface. Diffusion is the main transport process involved in gaseous exchange.