Understanding Alveoli: The Small Air Sacs That Make Respiration Possible

Alveoli (singular: alveolus) are small air sacs found in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. They are the smallest airways in the lung and are responsible for the gas exchange that occurs between the lungs and the bloodstream.

Each alveolus is surrounded by a network of tiny blood vessels called capillaries, which allow for the efficient exchange of gases. The walls of the alveoli are thin and permeable, allowing oxygen to pass into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to be removed from the bloodstream.

In total, the human lung contains approximately 300 million alveoli, which are arranged in a branching pattern throughout the lung tissue. This complex network of airways and blood vessels allows for the efficient exchange of gases and is essential for maintaining proper respiration and overall health.