Which component of the respiratory system aids in gas exchange and is formed of tiny air sacs?

The component of the respiratory system that aids in gas exchange and is formed of tiny air sacs is the alveoli. Alveoli are small, balloon-like structures located at the ends of the bronchioles in the lungs. Their primary role is to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide during the process of breathing.

The structure of the alveoli, being a single layer of epithelial cells surrounded by a network of capillaries, allows for efficient diffusion of gases. This design maximizes the surface area available for gas exchange, making it highly effective. When air reaches the alveoli, oxygen diffuses into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide is expelled from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.

Other components of the respiratory system, such as the bronchi and trachea, serve different functions. The bronchi are the main passageways that bifurcate from the trachea into the lungs, directing air but not being the site of gas exchange. The diaphragm, a muscle that aids in breathing by controlling airflow, does not engage in gas exchange itself but rather supports the mechanics of respiration. In contrast, the trachea serves as a windpipe, transporting air from the throat to the lungs but does not directly