Pronunciation: [ˌalvɪˈə͡ʊləs] (IPA) 
The word "alveolus" is spelled with five letters, but it has six sounds. The first three letters "alv" are pronounced with a short "a" and a "v" sound, followed by the vowel sound "ee" in the letter "e". The second to the last letter "o" is pronounced as a schwa sound, while the last two letters "lu" are pronounced with a long "u" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /ælˈviːələs/.
An alveolus is a noun derived from the Latin word "alveolus" which means "little cavity" or "small hollow". In anatomy, it refers to a small, hollow space or cavity found in various parts of the body. Generally, the term is commonly used to describe the tiny, thin-walled air sacs present in the lungs.
In the context of respiratory physiology, alveoli are the main functional units of the lungs responsible for the vital exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the bloodstream. Consisting of a single layer of epithelial cells, alveoli play a crucial role in facilitating the diffusion of oxygen from inhaled air into the bloodstream while simultaneously removing carbon dioxide from the blood, allowing for efficient gas exchange to occur.
Structurally, alveoli are arranged in clusters like bunches of grapes and are surrounded by a dense network of capillaries. This network allows for close contact between the alveoli and pulmonary blood vessels, facilitating the rapid exchange of gases through a process known as pulmonary gas exchange.
Furthermore, alveoli are highly elastic and expand during inhalation, providing a large surface area for gas exchange. They also produce a surfactant that helps reduce surface tension, preventing the alveoli from collapsing during exhalation.
Overall, the alveoli play a pivotal role in maintaining efficient respiratory function and ensuring the proper oxygenation of the bloodstream.
A small cell or cavity. 1. An air-cell, one of the terminal dilatations of the bronchioles in the lungs. 2. An acinus or terminal lobule of a racemose gland. 3. One of the honeycomb pits in the wall of the stomach. 4. A tooth-socket, alveolus dentalis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
In nat. hist., a little trough or hollow channel.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "alveolus" comes from the Latin word "alveolus", which means "a little hollow" or "a small cavity". It is derived from the Latin word "alvus", meaning "belly" or "cavity", and the suffix "-olus", indicating a diminutive or small size. In the context of anatomy, "alveolus" refers to a small hollow or cavity, such as the sockets in the jawbone where teeth are anchored.
