Alveolus

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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

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