Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tooth socket: A small cavity or bony socket in the jawbone, specifically in the alveolar ridge, into which the root of a tooth is anchored.
   • An air sac in the lungs: A tiny, thin-walled, cup-shaped cavity or sac in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. It is the terminal dilation of a bronchiale.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Tooth socket):
  • The dentist examined the empty alveolus after the tooth extraction.
  • The implant was securely placed into the alveolus of the lower jaw.
• Noun (Air sac):
  • Oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the alveoli of the lungs.
  • Smoking can damage the delicate walls of the alveolus.

Advanced Usage

• "Pulmonary alveolus": Specifically refers to the air sacs in the lungs.
  • The pulmonary alveolus is the functional unit for gas exchange.
• "Dental alveolus": Specifically refers to the tooth socket in the jawbone.
  • The dental alveolus is part of the maxilla or mandible.

Variants and Related Words

• Alveolar (adj): Pertaining to an alveolus or alveoli.
  • The alveolar bone supports the teeth.
  • Alveolar gas exchange is efficient.
• Alveoli (n, plural): The plural form of alveolus.
  • The lungs contain millions of alveoli.

Synonyms

• For tooth socket: Tooth cavity, dental socket.
• For air sac: Air cell, pulmonary sac.

Related Terms and Phrases

• Alveolar ridge: The bony ridge of the maxilla or mandible that contains the tooth sockets.
  • Sounds like /t/ and /d/ are called alveolar consonants because the tongue touches the alveolar ridge.
• Alveolar-capillary membrane: The thin barrier between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the capillaries where gas exchange occurs.
  • The health of the alveolar-capillary membrane is crucial for respiration.

Noun

1. a bony socket in the alveolar ridge that holds a tooth
2. a tiny sac for holding air in the lungs; formed by the terminal dilation of tiny air passageways