alveolus

Microscopic analysis of tissue from sick cows showed the virus infects cells in the alveoli, the millions of tiny milk-producing sacs in udders.

They found that changes in pressure affected the activity of two channels involved in sodium transport -- the epithelial sodium channel and the sodium-potassium ion pump in the cells of lung alveoli.

"We have identified a key metabolic relationship between macrophages and alveoli that is exploited by tumor cells to support the cancer's metabolic demands -- now we just have to disrupt that exploitation."

They drew inspiration from the architecture of the human lungs, which contain spherical "air sacs" called alveoli that enable a high interaction rate with blood within a short time.

Within the lungs, oxygen is absorbed and carbon dioxide released via air sacs called alveoli.