Pulmonary alveolus

Pulmonary alveolus is a tiny air sac found in the lung parenchyma where gas exchange occurs. Pulmonary alveoli are the terminal ends of the respiratory tree and are organized into lobules, each containing a respiratory bronchiole, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli.

Structure

Pulmonary alveoli are found in the acini at the beginning of the respiratory zone. They are located sparsely in the respiratory bronchioles, line the walls of the alveolar ducts, and are more numerous in the blind-ended alveolar sacs. The acini are the basic units of respiration, with gas exchange taking place in all the alveoli present.

Function

The main function of the pulmonary alveoli is to permit the exchange of gases between the air in the lungs and the blood in the capillaries. This process occurs by diffusion.

Clinical significance

Damage to the alveoli can result in a variety of lung diseases, including emphysema, pneumonia, and lung cancer.

See also

• Respiratory system
• Lung
• Bronchiole
• Alveolar duct
• Alveolar sac

References

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