alveoler

Alveoler is a term found in some languages as an adjective or noun referring to structures relating to an alveolus, or to alveolar anatomy more broadly. In English, the corresponding adjective is alveolar and the noun is alveolus (plural alveoli). Alveoler may appear in regional or historical medical and dental texts as a variant spelling or usage.

Etymology and scope

The word arises from Latin alveolus, meaning a small cavity, diminutive of alvus. The root alveol- is used in anatomy to denote cavity-like structures and is the basis for terms such as alveolar, alveolus, and alveolar ridge. Alveoler, when encountered, essentially signals a relationship to these cavities or sockets.

Main senses

Dental/alveolar sockets: In dentistry, dental alveoli are the sockets in the jawbone that hold teeth. The alveolar bone forms the part of the maxilla and mandible that surrounds and supports these sockets. The periodontal ligament anchors each tooth within its alveolus, and the alveolar ridge refers to the bony margin over the tooth sockets. Alveolar structures are central to tooth stability, extraction healing, and orthodontic movements.

Pulmonary alveoli: In pulmonology, alveolar refers to the tiny air sacs at the end of the respiratory tree where gas exchange occurs. Pulmonary alveoli have very thin walls supported by a network of capillaries. The epithelium includes type I pneumocytes for gas diffusion and type II pneumocytes that secrete surfactant to reduce surface tension. Alveolar macrophages patrol the sacs to remove debris and pathogens.

Clinical notes

Alveolitis, or dry socket, is a common complication after tooth extraction involving the alveolus. Alveolar bone loss can accompany periodontal disease and conditions such as osteoporosis. Surgical procedures to reshape the alveolar ridge are performed in preparation for dentures or implants.

See also

Alveolar process, alveolar ridge, alveolar bone, alveoloplasty, alveolitis.