What role do the alveoli play in the respiratory system?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the specific function of alveoli in the respiratory system, particularly focusing on their role in gas exchange. We will need to identify which of the provided answer choices correctly describes this function.
Answer
The alveoli are the sites for gas exchange between the lungs and the blood.
The alveoli are the sites in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood takes place.
Answer for screen readers
The alveoli are the sites in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood takes place.
More Information
Alveoli are tiny air sacs located at the end of the bronchioles in the lungs. They have walls thin enough to allow oxygen to pass from the air within them into the blood in nearby capillaries, and carbon dioxide to pass from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the alveoli with other parts of the respiratory system, such as the bronchioles or trachea, which only transport air but do not facilitate gas exchange.
Sources
- Alveoli: Function, Lung Anatomy, and Causes of Damage - verywellhealth.com
- How Lungs Work | American Lung Association - lung.org
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