During respiration in human beings, the actual place of gaseous exchange is

In the human respiratory system, the actual site of gaseous exchange is the alveoli. While the nasal passage, trachea, and bronchi serve as conducting airways that filter, warm, and transport air [6], they do not participate in the exchange of gases. The alveoli are tiny, grape-like air sacs located at the ends of the bronchioles [3]. They possess extremely thin walls and are surrounded by an extensive network of pulmonary capillaries [4]. This structural arrangement allows oxygen to diffuse from the alveolar air into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled [5]. The large surface area of the alveoli, estimated at approximately 80 square meters, ensures highly efficient gas exchange through the process of diffusion [6].

Sources

1. [1] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 9: Life Processes in Animals > How do we breathe? > p. 129
2. [6] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/anatomyvideos/000059.htm
3. [3] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 9: Life Processes in Animals > How does the exchange of gases happen? > p. 132
4. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Do You Know? > p. 90
5. [4] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Do You Know? > p. 91
6. [5] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 9: Life Processes in Animals > In a Nutshell > p. 134