INTERALVEOLAR Meaning and
Definition
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Interalveolar refers to the space or region that exists between the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs in the lungs. The term "interalveolar" can be broken down into its constituent parts to better understand its meaning. "Inter-" is a prefix that denotes something between or among, while "alveolar" refers to the alveoli themselves.
The interalveolar region is an essential part of the respiratory system. It represents the space between adjacent alveoli where important gas exchange occurs during respiration. Oxygen is taken in from inhaled air and diffuses across the thin walls of the alveoli into the bloodstream. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism, diffuses from the bloodstream back into the alveoli to be exhaled.
The interalveolar space plays a crucial role in facilitating this exchange of gases. Its structure enables efficient diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide by minimizing the distance for gas molecules to travel. Consequently, a high surface area of interalveolar space is necessary to maximize gas exchange. The lungs achieve this through their intricate and expansive network of alveoli.
Medical professionals often study and evaluate the interalveolar region to assess lung health and function. Various respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia or emphysema, can disrupt this space and impair gas exchange, resulting in breathing difficulties or impaired oxygenation. Understanding the interalveolar region's structure and function is vital for diagnosing and treating these conditions.
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Between any alveoli, especially the alveoli of the lungs.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INTERALVEOLAR
- unteralveolar
- jnteralveolar
- knteralveolar
- onteralveolar
- 9nteralveolar
- 8nteralveolar
- ibteralveolar
- imteralveolar
- ijteralveolar
- ihteralveolar
- inreralveolar
- inferalveolar
- ingeralveolar
- inyeralveolar
- in6eralveolar
- in5eralveolar
- intwralveolar
- intsralveolar
- intdralveolar
Etymology of INTERALVEOLAR
The word "interalveolar" can be broken down into two parts: "inter" and "alveolar".
1. "Inter" is a Latin prefix that means "between" or "among". It is used to indicate something that is situated or occurring between or among other things.
2. "Alveolar" comes from the Latin word "alveolus", which means "little cavity" or "small hollow". In anatomy and physiology, "alveolar" often refers to structures resembling small hollow cavities, such as the alveoli in the lungs or the alveolar processes in the jaw.
Combining these two parts, "interalveolar" describes something that is between or among alveoli. It can be used to refer to structures, processes, or relationships occurring in the spaces or regions between alveoli.
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