What occurs during gas exchange in the alveoli?

During gas exchange in the alveoli, oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be expelled from the body. This process occurs due to differences in partial pressures of these gases between the alveolar air and the blood. Oxygen in the alveoli has a higher partial pressure compared to the deoxygenated blood in the surrounding capillaries, allowing oxygen to move into the blood. Conversely, carbon dioxide, which has a higher partial pressure in the blood, moves into the alveoli to be exhaled. This efficient exchange process is critical for maintaining the body's oxygen levels and removing metabolic waste gases like carbon dioxide.