Certified Cardiovascular Technician Practice Exam

What is the correct term for the air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs?

1. Aneurysm

2. Alveoli

3. Anemia

4. Alveolar sacs

The correct answer is: Alveoli

The correct term for the air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs is indeed "alveoli." These tiny, balloon-like structures are found at the end of the bronchioles and are critical for respiratory function. Each alveolus is surrounded by a network of capillaries, which facilitates the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the capillaries. This process is essential for delivering oxygen to the bloodstream and removing carbon dioxide from the body. While the term "alveolar sacs" may seem plausible, it is not the standard terminology used in the physiological context of gas exchange. The term "aneurysm" refers to an abnormal bulge in a blood vessel, and "anemia" describes a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, which is unrelated to the function of the lungs. Understanding the correct terminology is important for accurately describing respiratory anatomy and physiology.