ALVEOLI
Description:
Air from the bronchial tree ends here and is made up of squamous epithelium. It has three main functions: Ventilation, or exchanging air in the lungs; Diffusion, the specific exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide; and perfusion: Carrying blood from the capillaries throughout the lungs to take up oxygen. They travel through small holes called alveolar ducts. They have a large surface area to maximize gaseous exchanges. Alveoli group together, giving a spongy consistency.
Diseases and Conditions
Pneumonia
Air sacs fill with pus due to the inflammation of the alveoli, leading to a sore throat, a fever, and fatigue.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Alveoli break down after damage to them, which causes obstruction of airflow and a decreased exchange of gases.
Alveolar Proteinosis
Mostly an autoimmune disease, proteins collect in the alveoli. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Thickening of the walls of the alveoli due to scarring. Generally, many alveoli problems occur due to smoking, pollution, or genetics.