alveoli

The alveoli in the lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Definition

1. Noun (plural; singular: alveolus):
   • Small cavity or pit: In anatomy, "alveoli" refer to tiny, sac-like structures found in the lungs, specifically the air sacs where gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) occurs between the air and the bloodstream.
   • Tooth socket: "Alveoli" also denote the sockets in the jawbone that hold the roots of teeth.
   • Honeycomb cell: In beekeeping or biology, "alveoli" can describe the small hexagonal cells of a honeycomb.

Usage Examples

• Lung alveoli: (These tiny sacs allow oxygen to enter the blood and carbon dioxide to be removed.)
• Tooth alveoli: (The tooth sockets were inspected for health.)
• Honeycomb alveoli: (The small cells of the comb are called alveoli.)

Advanced Usage

• "Alveolar" (adj): Relating to or resembling alveoli.

  • Alveolar ventilation refers to the amount of fresh air reaching the alveoli per minute. (A medical term describing lung function.)

• "Alveolitis" (n): Inflammation of the alveoli, often due to infection or allergic reaction.

  • The patient was diagnosed with alveolitis after exposure to mold spores. (Inflammation of the lung air sacs.)

Variants and Related Words

• Alveolus (n, singular): One individual air sac or socket.
  • Each alveolus is surrounded by a network of tiny blood vessels. (A single lung air sac.)
• Alveolar (adj): Pertaining to the alveoli.
  • Alveolar pressure changes during breathing. (Pressure within the lung air sacs.)

Synonyms

• Air sac: Another term for lung alveoli, especially in birds or reptiles.
• Socket: A synonym for tooth alveoli in dental contexts.
• Cell: A general term for a small cavity, as in a honeycomb.

Related Idioms

• "Every alveolus counts": A metaphor meaning that even the smallest parts of a system are essential.
  • In respiratory therapy, we emphasize that every alveolus counts for efficient oxygen intake. (Each tiny air sac is crucial.)

Note on Usage

The word "alveoli" is almost always used in its plural form in medical and biological contexts. The singular "alveolus" is less common but appears in technical writing.