During which phase of respiration does the exchange of gases between blood and tissues occur?

The exchange of gases between blood and tissues occurs during cellular respiration. This phase involves the utilization of oxygen by cells and the production of carbon dioxide as a waste product. Once oxygen is delivered to the tissues through the bloodstream, it is taken up by cells to aid in the production of energy, primarily in the form of ATP.

Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, which is generated as a byproduct of metabolic processes within the cells, diffuses back into the blood. This interplay of oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide release is crucial for maintaining the cellular functions necessary for life. Therefore, cellular respiration captures the entire process occurring at the cellular level, emphasizing the critical role of gas exchange in sustaining metabolic activity.

In contrast, ventilation refers to the movement of air in and out of the lungs, while the transport of gases pertains to how oxygen and carbon dioxide are carried in the blood. Gas exchange with air specifically describes the interaction of gases between the air in the lungs and the blood. While all these processes are interconnected, the actual exchange at the level of tissues takes place during cellular respiration.