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Diffusion

From About.com

Updated: November 12, 2006

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Definition: A type of passive transport(non-energy requiring) involving the movement of small molecules from an area where they are highly concentrated to an area where they are less concentrated. Diffusion is spontaneous and automatic.

Diffusion is the process that transfers:

  • oxygen to the blood in the lungs
  • oxygen out of the blood in the body tissues
  • carbon dioxide into the blood from the body tissues

Pronunciation: di-Fu-shun
Also Known As: Passive Transport

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