IGCSE Biology (9–1) 0970 · Topic 11

Gas exchange in humans: past paper questions

66 real questionsasked in 6 of the last 10 exam series2019–2025usually: State, Describe, Complete, Write, Identify

Real questions on gas exchange in humans

The newest 20 of 32 written questions, plus 34 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.

0970/32 · May/June 2025 · Q5a[3]
Fig. 5.1 is a diagram of some of the muscles and bones found in the human gas exchange system. Complete Fig. 5.1 by labelling the structures in the spaces provided. Fig. 5.
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0970/32 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(i)[1]
Circle the name of the part of the breathing system that is connected to the alveoli. bronchioles larynx trachea bronchi (i)
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0970/32 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(ii)[1]
State the name of the organ that contains the alveoli.
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0970/32 · May/June 2025 · Q5c(i)[1]
Circle the arrow on Fig. 5.2 that shows the net direction of movement of carbon dioxide. alveolus capillary Fig. 5.2
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0970/32 · May/June 2025 · Q5c(ii)[3]
The alveoli are adapted for efficient gas exchange. Describe the features of alveoli that enable efficient gas exchange.
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0970/32 · October/November 2024 · Q8a(i)[2]
State two features of gas exchange surfaces in humans.
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0970/32 · October/November 2024 · Q8a(ii)[1]
State the name of the organ system alveoli belong to.
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0970/42 · October/November 2024 · Q2a(i)[3]
State the names of the parts labelled X, Y and Z in Fig. 2.1. X Y
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0970/42 · October/November 2024 · Q2a(ii)[2]
The wall of the trachea contains rings of tissue. State the name of this tissue and describe its function. name function
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0970/42 · October/November 2024 · Q2a(iii)[2]
State the names of two types of cells responsible for protecting the breathing system from particles.
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0970/41 · May/June 2023 · Q3d[2]
Good ventilation is one feature of gas exchange surfaces. State two other features.
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0970/41 · May/June 2023 · Q3e[1]
State the name of the gas exchange surface in humans.
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0970/32 · October/November 2022 · Q5e[1]
State the name of the gas that is excreted through the lungs.
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0970/42 · October/November 2022 · Q6c(i)[1]
Oxygen is absorbed into the blood as it passes through the lungs. State the structures in the lungs where oxygen passes into the blood from the air.
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0970/31 · May/June 2022 · Q5a[5]
Fig. 5.1 is a diagram of the human gas exchange system. Fig. 5.1 The list shows the names of some of the parts of the human gas exchange system. alveolus bronchiole bronchus larynx rib diaphragm trachea Use the words from the list to label Fig. 5.1. You do not need to use every word. Write your answers on the answer li...
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0970/31 · May/June 2022 · Q5b[1]
State the name of the part of the body through which air enters and leaves.
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0970/42 · May/June 2022 · Q5a(i)[3]
Identify the parts of the gas exchange system labelled X, Y and Z in Fig. 5.1. X Y Z
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0970/42 · May/June 2022 · Q5a(ii)[1]
State the name of the tissue that prevents the collapse of Y and Z during breathing.
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0970/42 · May/June 2022 · Q5c[1]
State the name of the gas exchange surface in the lungs.
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0970/32 · October/November 2021 · Q2a(iii)[1]
State the name of the organism with the most similar breathing rate to humans.
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What examiners said

Most candidates identified the ribs and diaphragm but not the intercostal muscle.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0970/32 Q5(a) (Cambridge)

Candidates need to be careful with naming parts, some confused bronchi with bronchioles.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0970/32 Q5(b)(i) (Cambridge)

Candidates need to understand the different parts of the breathing system and how they are connected.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0970/32 Q5(b)(ii) (Cambridge)

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In the syllabus

11.1 Gas exchange in humans

Describe the features of gas exchange surfaces in humans, limited to: large surface area, thin surface, good blood supply and good ventilation with air
Identify in diagrams and images the following parts of the breathing system: lungs, diaphragm, ribs, intercostal muscles, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli and associated capillaries
Investigate the differences in composition between inspired and expired air using limewater as a test for carbon dioxide
Describe the differences in composition between inspired and expired air, limited to: oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapour
Investigate and describe the effects of physical activity on the rate and depth of breathing
Identify in diagrams and images the internal and external intercostal muscles
State the function of cartilage in the trachea
Explain the role of the ribs, the internal and external intercostal muscles and the diaphragm in producing volume and pressure changes in the thorax leading to the ventilation of the lungs
Explain the differences in composition between inspired and expired air
Explain the link between physical activity and the rate and depth of breathing in terms of: an increased carbon dioxide concentration in the blood, which is detected by the brain, leading to an increased rate and greater depth of breathing
Explain the role of goblet cells, mucus and ciliated cells in protecting the breathing system from pathogens and particles

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