Explain why, when air is taken in and let out during breathing, the lungs always contain a residual volume of air.

A.VERIFIED ANSWERfact-checked by tutors

The lungs always contain a residual volume of air so that there is a sufficient amount of oxygen present for oxygen to be absorbed into the blood and carbon dioxide to be released from the blood.

The residual volume also functions to keep the alveoli open even after maximum respiration.

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