Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Alveoli and Alveolus?

Guilherme Mazui

•2 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Alveoli and Alveolus?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The terms "alveoli" and "alveolus" refer to the small air sacs in the lungs where pulmonary gas exchange takes place. The main difference between the two terms lies in their association and usage:

  • Alveoli: This term refers to the plural form of "alveolus" and is often used to describe the collective group of air sacs in the lungs.
  • Alveolus: This term refers to a single small air-containing compartment in the lungs, where the bronchioles terminate. Each alveolus is wrapped in a fine mesh of capillaries, which allows for gas exchange between the alveolar air and the blood.

Both alveoli and alveolus are essential components of the respiratory system, enabling the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules in the lungs.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Alveoli and Alveolus?
  • Comparative Table: Alveoli vs Alveolus

    • Comparative Table: Alveoli vs Alveolus

    Here is a table comparing the differences between alveoli and alveolus:

    Feature Alveoli Alveolus
    Definition Alveoli are air sacs in the lungs, located at the end of respiratory "tree branches". An alveolus is defined as an open outpouching of an alveolar duct, lined almost exclusively by the thin processes of type I pneumocytes.
    Structure Alveoli are individual air sacs. Alveoli are clusters of air sacs.
    Function Alveoli transfer oxygen to the capillaries, while the capillaries transfer carbon dioxide to the alveoli. The alveolus is a part of the alveolar structure that plays a role in gas exchange.
    Composition The composition of alveolar air differs from atmospheric air. Alveolar air has a greater amount of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and less oxygen than atmospheric air. The alveolus is lined by type I pneumocytes.

    In summary, alveoli are individual air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange, while alveoli are clusters of these sacs. The alveolus is a part of the alveolar structure that plays a role in gas exchange and is lined by type I pneumocytes.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.