Anatomy A215 Virtual Microscopy
Lung
 
 

Gas exchange with the blood occurs across the thin walls of alveoli which, collectively, have an extremely large surface area. They are supported by an elaborate network of elastic connective tissue. In this virtual slide of LUNG, identify alveoli and the following structures which connect the alveoli to the conducting portion of the respiratory system.
  • Respiratory bronchioles, which branch from the terminal bronchioles. Alveoli for gas exchange are scattered along the wall of the respiratory bronchioles.
  • Alveolar ducts, which branch from the respiratory bronchioles. The walls of these ducts contain an
    almost continuous array of alveoli. Alveolar ducts end in alveolar sacs, clusters of individual alveoli.

 

Each alveolus is a small air space surrounded by an extensive capillary network. The epithelium which lines the alveoli is an extremely thin simple squamous in close proximity to the
capillary walls. Alveoli make up the major part of the lung
and give it its sponge-like appearance under the microscope.
 
Virtual Microscopy Table of Contents