The word "pulmonary alveolus" refers to a tiny air sac in the lungs. Its spelling can be challenging, but it can be broken down phonetically as /ˈpʊlmənəri əlˈviːələs/. This means that the first syllable is pronounced "PUL-muh-nair-ee," the second syllable "al-VEE-uh-lus," and there is a slight emphasis on the second-to-last syllable. Correct spelling of medical terms is important for clear communication and accurate diagnosis.
A pulmonary alveolus is a microscopic sac located within the lungs, specifically within the respiratory bronchioles. These minute structures serve as the site where oxygen is taken into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is expelled, as part of the process of respiration.
Each pulmonary alveolus is surrounded by an intricate network of tiny blood vessels, known as capillaries. This arrangement allows for efficient exchange of gases between the alveoli and the bloodstream. Oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses across the thin walls of the alveoli into the capillaries, while carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism, moves in the opposite direction from the capillaries into the alveoli, ready to be exhaled.
The inner surface of a pulmonary alveolus is lined with specialized cells known as type I pneumocytes, which are extremely thin and facilitate the transfer of gases across the alveolar wall. Surfactant-secreting type II pneumocytes are also present, aiding in reducing surface tension within the alveoli and preventing their collapse during exhalation.
Pulmonary alveoli collectively form a vast network throughout the lungs, with estimates suggesting that there are around 480 million alveoli in the human respiratory system. The large surface area provided by these alveoli allows for a significant exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, providing the body with the oxygen it needs for cellular function and removing waste products from metabolism.
Any disruption or damage to the structure and function of pulmonary alveoli can lead to respiratory difficulties and compromised gas exchange, such as in conditions like emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis.
The term "pulmonary alveolus" comes from two different sources.
The word "pulmonary" is derived from the Latin word "pulmo", which means "lung". It is related to the Greek word "pneumon", which also means "lung". Both words ultimately trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*pleu-" which means "to flow" or "to float".
The word "alveolus" comes from the Latin word "alveolus", which means "little cavity" or "small hollow". It is derived from the word "alvus", meaning "belly" or "hollow vessel".