ALVEOLI Meaning and
Definition
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Alveoli (singular: alveolus) are small, hollow, air sacs found in the lungs, specifically in the respiratory zone. These structures are the primary site of gas exchange in mammals, allowing for efficient oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide release during respiration.
The alveoli resemble tiny, grape-like clusters located at the ends of bronchioles, which are small branches within the respiratory system. They are surrounded by an extensive network of capillaries, forming a thin barrier between the air in the sac and the blood in the capillary walls.
The structure of alveoli allows for optimal gas exchange. Their walls are composed of a single layer of epithelial cells, which are very thin and are surrounded by a mesh of blood vessels. This setup facilitates the diffusion of oxygen from the air in the alveoli into the bloodstream, while simultaneously allowing for the elimination of waste carbon dioxide from the bloodstream into the air sacs to be exhaled.
The surface area of alveoli is quite large, estimated to be around 75 square meters (800 square feet) in humans, which provides a greater area for gas exchange. The presence of approximately 300 million alveoli in each lung ensures a sufficient surface area to support efficient respiration and provide oxygen to the body's tissues.
Alveoli are crucial in maintaining proper respiratory function and overall health, as any damage or inflammation to these sacs can impair gas exchange, leading to breathing difficulties and various lung diseases.
Common Misspellings for ALVEOLI
Etymology of ALVEOLI
The word "alveoli" has Latin roots. It is derived from the Latin word "alveolus", which means "small cavity" or "little hollow". The Latin word, in turn, originates from the word "alvus", meaning "stomach" or "belly". In the context of anatomy, "alveoli" refers to tiny air sacs found in the lungs.
Similar spelling words for ALVEOLI
- elavil,
- wulfila,
- Olivil,
- willfully,
- Eliphal,
- ALPHAHL,
- alveolo-palatal,
- Weleful,
- Bucco-Alveolo-Maxillaire,
- ulfila,
- woelfle,
- wailful,
- woelfel,
- wilfley,
- ALPHALA,
- Woolfell,
- ILEVEL,
- wealfully,
- ELFL,
- Alveole,
- Wealful,
- alluvially,
- Wileful,
- whalefall,
- alveola,
- willful,
- wolfli,
- alphyl,
- ILVL,
- Alveolo-labial,
- wilfully,
- wolffiella,
- wailfully,
- willfull,
- ulleval,
- ulufale,
- elavl1,
- ELVL,
- wilful,
- ullevaal,
- Alvelo,
- walvula,
- ELOVL,
- wellville,
- Alphol,
- olivile,
- illuvial,
- a level,
- alluvial,
- ILEVAL,
- ailihphilia,
- eyelevel,
- Elipheleh,
- alfalah,
- olivella,
- allophilia,
- eluvial,
- owlfly,
- aloofly.
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