Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

alveoli

noun

/ælˈviː.ə.laɪ/

Definition

Small air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.

Examples

The alveoli are the primary sites of gas exchange during respiration.
In a healthy lung, the alveoli are numerous and have thin walls to optimize the diffusion of gases.
Smoking can damage the alveoli, leading to respiratory issues.

Meaning

The term ‘alveoli’ refers to the tiny, balloon-like structures in the lungs that facilitate the essential process of breathing by allowing oxygen to enter the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to be expelled.