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Alveoli

From About.com

Updated: July 31, 2008

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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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