Which Statement Best Describes Why O₂ and CO₂ can Both

Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes why O₂ and CO₂ can both be exchanged simultaneously at the alveoli and pulmonary capillaries?

A) Blood in both the alveoli and pulmonary capillaries is at equilibrium.
B) Blood in the alveoli is high in both O₂ and CO_2.
C) Each gas acts independently and diffuses down its own partial pressure gradient.
D) Nitrogen is at a high pressure in both the alveoli and pulmonary capillaries and drives the exchange of O₂ and CO₂.
E) Blood in the pulmonary capillaries is high in both O₂ and CO_2.