− | Alveoli are minute, polygonal chambers, whose diameter changes with the processes of [[Ventilation - Anatomy & Physiology#Inspiration|inspiration]] and [[Ventilation - Anatomy & Physiology#Expiration|expiration]], and varies by species. The wall of the alveoli is extremely thin, consisting of 2 irregular layers of epithelial sheets, 'sandwiching' a network of capillaries. Thus the ''Blood-Gas Barrier'' is just a single basal lamina - ideal for [[Gas Exchange - Anatomy & Physiology|gaseous exchange]]. The alveolar interstitium is formed from connective tissue fibres and cells, which include collagen fibrils and elastin fibres. | + | Alveoli are minute, polygonal chambers, whose diameter changes with the processes of [[Ventilation - Anatomy & Physiology#Inspiration|inspiration]] and [[Ventilation - Anatomy & Physiology#Expiration|expiration]], and varies by species. The wall of the alveoli is extremely thin, consisting of 2 irregular layers of epithelial sheets, 'sandwiching' a network of capillaries. Thus the ''Blood-Gas Barrier'' at the thinnest portions is a tripartite structure consisting of the pulmonary capillary endothelium, a common basal lamina and the alveolar epithelium- ideal for [[Gas Exchange - Anatomy & Physiology|gaseous exchange]]. The alveolar interstitium is formed from connective tissue fibres and cells, which include collagen fibrils and elastin fibres. |
| |videos = [[Video: Piglet Anatomy|Piglet Anatomy]]<br>[[Video: African Gray Parrot Radiograph|African Gray Parrot Radiograph]]<br>[[Video: Equine left-sided abdominal and thoracic topography dissection|Equine left-sided abdominal and thoracic topography dissection]]<br>[[Video: Equine thoracic cavity dissection|Equine thoracic cavity dissection]]<br>[[Video: Ovine right-sided abdominal and thoracic dissection|Ovine right-sided abdominal and thoracic dissection]] | | |videos = [[Video: Piglet Anatomy|Piglet Anatomy]]<br>[[Video: African Gray Parrot Radiograph|African Gray Parrot Radiograph]]<br>[[Video: Equine left-sided abdominal and thoracic topography dissection|Equine left-sided abdominal and thoracic topography dissection]]<br>[[Video: Equine thoracic cavity dissection|Equine thoracic cavity dissection]]<br>[[Video: Ovine right-sided abdominal and thoracic dissection|Ovine right-sided abdominal and thoracic dissection]] |