ALVEOLAR CELL Meaning and
Definition
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An alveolar cell refers to the specific type of cell found within the alveoli of the lungs. Alveoli are tiny, thin-walled sacs located at the ends of the bronchioles, and they are responsible for facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the bloodstream.
Alveolar cells are categorized into two main types: Type I and Type II cells. Type I alveolar cells, also known as squamous alveolar cells, are extremely thin and flat, forming the majority of the alveolar surface. Their primary function is to participate in the gas exchange process by allowing the diffusion of gases across their membranes.
On the other hand, Type II alveolar cells, or great alveolar cells, are more rounded and cuboidal in shape. These cells secrete a substance called surfactant, which is a combination of lipids and proteins. Surfactant helps to reduce surface tension within the alveoli, preventing their collapse during exhalation and ensuring their proper expansion during inhalation. Moreover, Type II alveolar cells also have a role in the regeneration and repair of damaged alveolar tissue.
Both Type I and Type II alveolar cells are crucial for the overall functioning of the respiratory system, as they work together to maintain the structural integrity of the alveoli and optimize the exchange of gases between the lungs and the bloodstream.
Common Misspellings for ALVEOLAR CELL
- alpolar cell
- zlveolar cell
- slveolar cell
- wlveolar cell
- qlveolar cell
- akveolar cell
- apveolar cell
- aoveolar cell
- alceolar cell
- albeolar cell
- algeolar cell
- alfeolar cell
- alvwolar cell
- alvsolar cell
- alvdolar cell
- alvrolar cell
- alv4olar cell
- alv3olar cell
- alveilar cell
- alveklar cell
Etymology of ALVEOLAR CELL
The word "alveolar" originates from the Latin word "alveolus", which means "small cavity" or "hollow place". This Latin term is derived from "alvus", meaning "belly" or "hollow vessel". "Alveolar" is related to the anatomical structure known as an alveolus, which refers to any small cavity or sac-like structure in the body.
The term "cell" in "alveolar cell" refers to the basic unit of life, often used in the context of biology and anatomy. The word "cell" comes from the Latin word "cella", meaning "small room" or "storeroom". It is thought to be related to "celare", which means "to hide" or "to conceal".
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