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"Alveoli"

By Kathleen MacNaughton, R.N., About.com

Updated: February 28, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD

Definition: Alveoli are the tiny sacs at the farthest end of your smallest airways. The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs here. In an asthma attack, the thin walls of the alveoli become stiffer and they do not do their job as well.

Pronunciation: al-VEE-oh-lye

Also Known As: air sacs

Examples: When Bobby had asthma attacks, the alveoli in his airways stopped doing their job well, so he lips started turning blue.

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