What is the role of alveoli within the lungs?

Alveoli play a crucial role in the respiratory system as the primary sites of gas exchange. These tiny, balloon-like structures are located at the end of the bronchioles in the lungs and are surrounded by a network of capillaries. When air is inhaled into the lungs, it reaches the alveoli where oxygen from the air diffuses into the blood, while carbon dioxide in the blood diffuses back into the alveoli to be exhaled. This exchange of gases is essential for maintaining the body's oxygen levels and removing carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of metabolism. The large surface area of the alveoli, along with their thin walls, facilitates this efficient gas exchange, making them vital for respiratory function.