AIR CELLS OF THE LUNGS Meaning and
Definition
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The air cells of the lungs refer to the small, hollow chambers within the lungs where gas exchange occurs. These structures, also known as pulmonary alveoli, are essential for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the respiratory system and the bloodstream.
The air cells are situated at the ends of the smallest airways, called bronchioles, and are composed of thin and delicate walls made of epithelial tissue. These walls are surrounded by an intricate network of blood vessels, allowing for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide through a process known as diffusion. The air cells are highly numerous and collectively provide a vast surface area for efficient gas exchange.
During inhalation, fresh oxygenated air enters the lungs and is transported deep into the bronchioles where it reaches the air cells. At this point, a diffusion gradient is established, allowing oxygen to move from the air cells into the bloodstream while carbon dioxide moves in the opposite direction. This exchange is facilitated by the thin walls of the air cells and the close proximity of the blood vessels.
The air cells of the lungs enable the delivery of oxygen to body tissues and the removal of carbon dioxide, playing a crucial role in respiration. They ensure that the body's cells receive an adequate oxygen supply for various metabolic processes while efficiently eliminating the waste product, carbon dioxide.
