What is the primary function of the alveoli?

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Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of the alveoli?

Explanation:
Gas exchange happens in the alveoli, tiny air sacs at the ends of the airways. Their walls are extremely thin and surrounded by a dense network of capillaries, giving a large surface area for diffusion. Oxygen moves from the air in the alveoli into the blood, while carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the alveolar air to be breathed out. This transfer is driven by the different partial pressures of the two gases between air and blood. Mucus production and blood pressure regulation aren’t functions of the alveoli—the mucus comes from other airway cells, and blood pressure is controlled by the heart and blood vessels.

Gas exchange happens in the alveoli, tiny air sacs at the ends of the airways. Their walls are extremely thin and surrounded by a dense network of capillaries, giving a large surface area for diffusion. Oxygen moves from the air in the alveoli into the blood, while carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the alveolar air to be breathed out. This transfer is driven by the different partial pressures of the two gases between air and blood. Mucus production and blood pressure regulation aren’t functions of the alveoli—the mucus comes from other airway cells, and blood pressure is controlled by the heart and blood vessels.

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