alveolis

Alveolis is not a standard anatomical term. It is commonly a misspelling or variant of alveolus (singular) or alveoli (plural). In standard usage, alveolus refers to a small cavity within a tissue, and the plural alveoli is used for two main contexts in human anatomy: the pulmonary alveoli in the lungs and the dental alveoli of the jaw.

In the respiratory system, pulmonary alveoli are microscopic sacs at the ends of the airways where gas exchange occurs. They are arranged in clusters called alveolar sacs and are separated by thin walls. The alveolar epithelium consists mainly of type I pneumocytes for gas diffusion, with type II pneumocytes producing surfactant to reduce surface tension. The alveolar walls are surrounded by an extensive capillary network; alveolar pores of Kohn connect neighboring sacs, aiding ventilation. Macrophages patrol the space to clear debris.

In dentistry and maxillofacial anatomy, the alveolus (alveolar socket) is the bony cavity that houses a tooth, part of the alveolar process of the jaw. The tooth is anchored by the periodontal ligament. Inflammation of the alveolus or alveolar tissue can occur after tooth extraction, a condition known as alveolitis, sometimes referred to as a dry socket when the blood clot is lost.

Etymology: alveolus derives from Latin alveolus meaning “little hollow.” The term is used across contexts to denote a small cavity or socket, with the specific structure and function varying by location.