Alveolus
Alveolus
Alveolus (pronunciation: al-vee-uh-luhs) is a term used in anatomy to refer to a small cavity or pit. The term is most commonly used in the context of the lungs, where the alveoli are the small air sacs where gas exchange occurs.
Etymology
The term "alveolus" comes from the Latin word "alveolus", which means "small cavity". It is the diminutive form of "alveus", which means "hollow" or "cavity".
Anatomy
In the lungs, the alveoli are the final branchings of the respiratory tree and act as the primary sites of gas exchange with the blood. Alveoli are found in the lung parenchyma and are the functional units of the lungs.
The alveoli are lined with pneumocytes, which are cells that secrete a substance known as surfactant. This substance reduces the surface tension of the fluid lining the alveoli, preventing the alveoli from collapsing.
Related Terms
- Pulmonary alveolus: A single alveolus in the lung.
- Alveolar process: The part of the jawbone that holds the teeth.
- Alveolar consonant: A type of consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue against the alveolar ridge, located just behind the teeth.
- Alveolar-capillary barrier: The barrier between the alveoli and the capillaries in the lungs, through which gas exchange occurs.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alveolus
- Wikipedia's article - Alveolus
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