Biology A-Level
counter-current flow
What counter-current flow means in Biology A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of counter-current flow
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain counter-current flow in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Water and blood flowing in opposite directions across the gill lamellae, maintaining a concentration gradient along the whole length of the lamella.
Topics that use counter-current flow
- Gas exchange (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- antagonistic intercostal muscles
- Bronchioles
- Correlation
- diffusion at the alveolus
- large surface area
- Lungs
- maintaining a concentration gradient
- mesophyll and stomata
Using counter-current flow in the exam
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