Diffusion of gases occurs in the alveolar region only and not in the other parts of the respiratory system. Why?
The alveoli have very thin walls consisting of squamous epithelium. The alveolar wall is provided with an extensive network of blood capillaries; due to the intimate contact of the blood capillaries and alveolar wall, there is an exchange of gases taking place easily. In the other part the membrane/wall is not so thin to allow for diffusion.
