Alveoli Flashcards

Alveoli Flashcards topic image

Learn alveoli structure and function, focusing on gas exchange, with flashcards.

Card 1 of 30Question

What is the main function of the alveoli?

Gas exchange between air and blood.

In This Section

1. What is the main function of the alveoli?

Gas exchange between air and blood.

2. In which organ are alveoli located?

Lungs

3. What blood vessel surrounds each alveolus?

Capillary

4. What gases are exchanged in the alveoli?

Oxygen and carbon dioxide

5. What is the thin barrier that separates air from blood in the alveoli?

Respiratory membrane

6. What type of cells form most of the alveolar wall?

Type I alveolar cells

7. What is the function of Type II alveolar cells?

Secrete surfactant.

8. What substance reduces surface tension in the alveoli?

Surfactant

9. What would happen to alveoli without surfactant?

They would collapse.

10. What is the name of the process by which gases move across the alveolar membrane?

Diffusion

11. Which side of the heart sends blood to the alveoli?

Right side

12. Which side of the heart receives blood after alveolar gas exchange?

Left side

13. What are alveolar sacs?

Clusters of alveoli sharing a common opening.

14. What is the name for a single air space within the alveoli?

Alveolus

15. What is the major structural support for the alveoli?

Elastic fibers

16. How many alveoli are there approximately in human lungs?

About 300 million.

17. What is the surface area provided by alveoli for gas exchange?

About 70 square meters.

18. What is the pressure inside the alveoli called?

Alveolar pressure

19. What cells remove debris and pathogens from alveoli?

Alveolar macrophages

20. What happens to alveolar pressure during inhalation?

It drops below atmospheric pressure.

21. What happens to alveolar pressure during exhalation?

It rises above atmospheric pressure.

22. What is the first structure that air reaches after passing through the bronchioles?

Alveolar ducts

23. What connects alveoli to alveolar sacs?

Alveolar ducts

24. How many cell layers does gas pass through in the alveoli?

Two

25. What condition results from alveolar wall destruction?

Emphysema

26. What layer of connective tissue surrounds alveoli?

Basement membrane

27. What immune cells patrol the alveolar spaces?

Macrophages

28. What is the main cause of surfactant deficiency in newborns?

Premature birth

29. What happens during alveolar gas exchange?

Oxygen moves into blood, carbon dioxide moves into air.

30. What keeps alveoli open during exhalation?

Surfactant