The alveoli are tiny air sacs located in the lungs and are crucial for the process of respiration. Their primary function is to facilitate the exchange of gases—specifically oxygen and carbon dioxide—between the air and the bloodstream.
Here’s how they perform this function:
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Gas Exchange: When you inhale, air containing oxygen enters the alveoli. The alveoli are surrounded by a network of capillaries (tiny blood vessels). Oxygen diffuses from the air inside the alveoli into the blood in the capillaries, while carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of metabolism, moves from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.
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Surface Area: The alveoli have a large surface area due to their numerous and clustered structure, maximizing the efficiency of gas exchange.
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Thin Walls: The walls of the alveoli are extremely thin (one cell thick), allowing for efficient diffusion of gases.
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Moist Environment: The inner surfaces of the alveoli are lined with a thin layer of fluid, which helps facilitate the gas exchange process.
Overall, the alveoli play a vital role in ensuring that oxygen enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed, which is essential for maintaining the body’s respiratory and metabolic functions.
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