Quick Facts
The capillary network surrounds the alveoli and allow for gas exchange to occur.
Related parts of the anatomy
Structure/Morphology
An extensive capillary network surrounds the alveoli and alveolar saccules. The capillaries form a special structure with the alveoli, the blood-air barrier, or alveolar-capillary membrane. The basal lamina of the squamous epithelium of the alveoli and the endothelium of the capillaries are fused, thus forming a membrane that allows gas to diffuse across it. This region is less than 2 μm wide (Ovalle et al., 2013, Simionescu, 2001).
References
Ovalle, W. K., Nahirney, P. C. and Netter, F. H. (2013) Netter's Essential Histology. ClinicalKey 2012: Elsevier Saunders.
Simionescu, M. (2001) 'Cellular components of the air-blood barrier', J Cell Mol Med, 5(3), pp. 320-1.
