lobuloalveolær

Lobuloalveolar refers to a microscopic structural arrangement found in certain glandular tissues, most notably the mammary glands and lungs. It describes a compound acinar gland that is organized into lobules, with each lobule containing multiple alveoli. An alveolus, in this context, is a small sac-like cavity where secretion or gas exchange occurs. These alveoli are clustered together within a larger unit called a lobule. The lobules are then further organized into larger lobes. This hierarchical structure allows for a large surface area within a compact space, which is crucial for efficient function. In the mammary gland, lobuloalveolar units are responsible for producing milk. In the lungs, the alveoli are the primary sites of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, and their arrangement within lobules contributes to the lung's overall capacity for respiration. The term is used in histology and pathology to describe the normal or abnormal development and organization of these tissues. Changes in the lobuloalveolar structure can be indicative of various physiological states or disease processes.