Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Alveoli are small, sac-like structures in the lungs that play a central role in the respiratory process. They are located at the end of the smallest airways, the bronchioles, and form the primary surface for gas exchange between the air in the lungs and the blood in the surrounding capillary network. The alveoli are where the actual absorption of oxygen into the body and the release of carbon dioxide from the blood takes place.
Each lung contains millions of alveoli, which together provide an enormous surface area to allow efficient gas exchange. The walls of the alveoli are extremely thin and consist of a single-cell epithelium to facilitate the diffusion of gases. Surrounded by a dense network of small blood vessels called capillaries, the alveoli allow oxygen from inhaled air to pass into the blood and carbon dioxide from the blood to be transferred into the air for exhalation.
The function of the alveoli is crucial for breathing and therefore for the supply of oxygen to all tissues and organs in the body. Diseases that affect the alveoli, such as pneumonia, emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis, can impair gas exchange and lead to serious health problems.
