The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs, and even though they’re incredibly small, they’re one of the most important parts of the respiratory system. Their main job is to help us exchange gases specifically, to bring oxygen into our blood and get rid of carbon dioxide.
When we breathe in, air travels through our nose or mouth, down the windpipe, and into the lungs. From there, the air goes into smaller and smaller tubes, eventually ending in clusters of alveoli. Think of them like bunches of grapes, with each little sac playing a role in helping us breathe properly.
Each alveolus (that’s the singular form) is surrounded by tiny blood vessels called capillaries. The walls of the alveoli are super thin, which makes it easy for oxygen to pass through and enter the bloodstream. At the same time, carbon dioxide something our body needs to get rid of moves from the blood into the alveoli so we can exhale it.
This gas exchange is absolutely essential. Without oxygen, our cells wouldn’t be able to function, and without removing carbon dioxide, our blood would become toxic. The alveoli make sure our body gets what it needs and removes what it doesn’t.
When alveoli are damaged like from smoking, pollution, or lung diseases such as emphysema or pneumonia breathing becomes harder, and the body doesn’t get enough oxygen. That’s why keeping our lungs healthy is so important.
In short, alveoli might be tiny, but they’re key to keeping us alive and well every single day.
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