lung saccule development

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The biological process whose specific outcome is the progression of a lung saccule from an initial condition to its mature state. The lung saccule is the primitive gas exchange portion of the lung composed of type I and type II cells. [GOC:dph, GOC:mtg_lung]

Lung saccule development is a complex process that begins with the formation of the respiratory bronchioles, which are the smallest airways in the lungs. These bronchioles then branch out into numerous smaller air sacs called alveoli, which are the primary sites of gas exchange in the lungs. The development of lung saccules involves a series of intricate steps, including:

1. **Formation of the Respiratory Bronchioles:** The respiratory bronchioles develop from the terminal bronchioles, the final branches of the conducting airways. This process involves the proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and connective tissue cells.

2. **Budding of Alveolar Ducts:** The respiratory bronchioles give rise to a series of outpouchings called alveolar ducts. These ducts are initially short and narrow but gradually lengthen and widen as development progresses.

3. **Formation of Alveoli:** At the ends of the alveolar ducts, small, thin-walled pouches called alveoli form. Alveoli are the primary sites of gas exchange in the lungs, where oxygen diffuses from the air into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide diffuses from the bloodstream into the air.

4. **Maturation of Alveoli:** Once formed, alveoli undergo a period of maturation during which their structure and function are optimized for gas exchange. This process involves the thinning of the alveolar walls, the development of a rich network of capillaries, and the production of surfactant, a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli and prevents them from collapsing.

Lung saccule development is a dynamic process that is regulated by a complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. It is essential for the proper function of the lungs and for the survival of the organism. Disruptions in lung saccule development can lead to a variety of respiratory diseases, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a chronic lung disease that affects premature infants.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (2)