How does increased pressure affect gas exchange in the lungs?

Increased pressure enhances partial pressure gradients for gas exchange, which is essential for efficient respiration. According to the principles of gas exchange, particularly Dalton's Law, gases move from areas of higher partial pressure to areas of lower partial pressure. When atmospheric or environmental pressure increases, the partial pressure of oxygen and other gases also rises. This elevation in partial pressure increases the gradient between the alveoli in the lungs and the capillaries in the bloodstream, facilitating a more effective diffusion process. Consequently, oxygen enters the blood more readily, and carbon dioxide is expelled more efficiently, thus improving overall gas exchange.

This principle is particularly relevant in scenarios such as scuba diving, where increased water pressure can significantly impact how gases dissolve in body tissues and their subsequent exchanges during the breathing process.