The small air sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged are called _____.

### Why this is right Alveoli are the small air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. The material identifies damage to these structures as one way smoking reduces lung function. ### The concept Alveoli are distinct from the airways, which conduct air into and out of the lungs. Smoke-related damage to alveolar walls can reduce the effectiveness of gas exchange. The material also describes loss of elasticity, which makes lung expansion and contraction harder. These effects can contribute to breathlessness and reduced oxygen availability. ### Terms - **Alveoli**: Small air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. - **Airway**: A passage that carries air to and from the lungs. - **Gas exchange**: Movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and blood. ### Remember Air travels through airways; gas exchange takes place in the alveoli.