The word "alveolar duct" refers to small passageways in the lungs that lead to air sacs. Its spelling reflects the pronunciation of the word with the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "al-" is pronounced as /æl/, the second syllable "-veo-" is pronounced as /vɪə(ɹ)/, and the final syllable "-lar" is pronounced as /lɑɹ/. The word utilizes the spelling convention of "-ar" at the end to indicate the final /ɑɹ/ sound.
The term "alveolar duct" refers to a complex anatomical structure found within the respiratory system. An alveolar duct is a slender passage or tube that is involved in the transportation of air from the respiratory bronchioles to the alveolar sacs. It is an important component of the lungs and plays a crucial role in the process of respiration.
An alveolar duct consists of a series of branching passages that gradually decrease in diameter, eventually forming small air sacs known as alveolar sacs. These ducts are lined with a delicate layer of cells, including simple squamous epithelium, which aids in the efficient exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
The alveolar ducts are responsible for delivering air to the alveolar sacs, which are tiny air-filled chambers where gas exchange occurs between the respiratory system and the bloodstream. In these sacs, the oxygen is taken up by the blood while carbon dioxide, a waste product created during cellular respiration, is expelled from the body through exhalation.
The alveolar ducts are crucial in the overall function of the respiratory system as they enable efficient oxygenation of the blood. Any disruption in the structure or function of the alveolar ducts can potentially lead to respiratory disorders or impaired gas exchange, ultimately affecting an individual's overall health and well-being.
A terminal bronchiole.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "alveolar duct" is derived from the combination of two words: "alveolar" and "duct".
The term "alveolar" comes from the Latin word "alveolus", which means "little cavity" or "small hollow". In anatomy, an alveolus specifically refers to a small sac-like structure, such as the air sacs found in the lungs where gas exchange takes place.
The word "duct" has its roots in the Latin word "ductus", which means "a leading". In anatomy, a duct refers to a tube-like structure that transports fluids or other substances from one location to another.
Therefore, when combined, the term "alveolar duct" refers to a small hollow or cavity that serves as a tube-like conduit or passageway.