pulmonary alveolus

English - Turkish

Definition of pulmonary alveolus in English Turkish dictionary

(Tıp) akciğer alveolleri

English - English

Definition of pulmonary alveolus in English English dictionary

A small air sac in the lungs, where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged with the blood

Any of the 300 million or so small air spaces in the lungs where carbon dioxide leaves the blood and oxygen enters it. Alveoli form clusters (alveolar sacs) connected by alveolar ducts to the bronchioles. Their thin walls contain numerous capillaries, supported by a mesh of elastic and collagenous fibres; gas exchange between them occurs by diffusion. A film of fatty substances (surfactant) over the walls reduces surface tension, keeping the alveoli from collapsing and making it easier to expand the lungs. Alveolar macrophages (see leukocyte; lymphoid tissue) act as mobile scavengers, engulfing foreign particles in the lungs

Hyphenation

pul·mo·na·ry al·ve·o·lus