alveoli Definition
tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.
Using alveoli: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "alveoli" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The alveoli are responsible for the exchange of gases in the lungs.
Example
Smoking can damage the alveoli, leading to breathing difficulties.
Example
Pneumonia can cause inflammation of the alveoli, making it harder to breathe.
Phrases with alveoli
a speech sound produced by obstructing the airflow in the vocal tract with the tongue, teeth, or lips near or touching the alveolar ridge
Example
The English sounds /t/, /d/, /n/, /s/, /z/, /l/, and /r/ are all alveolar consonants.
Example
The dentist took an X-ray of my alveolar process to check for any problems with my teeth.
the amount of air that reaches the alveoli and is available for gas exchange per minute
Example
The doctor measured my alveolar ventilation to assess my lung function.
Origins of alveoli
from Latin 'alveolus', meaning 'small cavity or cell'
Summary: alveoli in Brief
'Alveoli' [ælˈviːəlaɪ] are tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. Smoking can damage the alveoli, leading to breathing difficulties, while pneumonia can cause inflammation of the alveoli, making it harder to breathe. 'Alveoli' also appears in phrases like 'alveolar consonant,' referring to speech sounds produced near the alveolar ridge, and 'alveolar process,' which contains the sockets of the teeth.
