alveolar

alveolar Definition

al·veo·lar (al vē′ə lər)

adjective

of or like an alveolus or the alveoli; socketlike
Anat.
1. relating to the part of the jaws containing the sockets of the teeth
2. designating the ridge of the gums behind the upper front teeth
3. relating to the air pockets in the lungs
Phonet. articulated with the tongue touching or near the alveolar ridge: said as of (t), (d), and (s)

noun

an alveolar sound

alveolar Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

hypoventilation: It commonly gives a unilateral phrenic nerve palsy, but this seldom causes alveolar hypoventilation, even in spontaneously ventilating patients.
macrophage: The researchers will study the pattern of release of interleukins by alveolar macrophages that have been treated with fibers.
sac: At the same time, carbon dioxide diffuses from the venous blood into the alveolar sacs.
duct: Widening of the airways increases the anatomical dead space, together with increase in the size of the alveolar ducts.
ventilation: Any tendency for hypoxia due to reduced alveolar ventilation can easily be overcome with a small amount of supplement of oxygen.
ridge: The eyes were described as having " an upward cast, " the alveolar ridges were wide, the teeth misplaced or absent.

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