What are the grape-like structures at the ends of the bronchioles?

The grape-like structures at the ends of the bronchioles are known as alveoli. These tiny air sacs are crucial for the respiratory system as they are where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. Alveoli provide a large surface area due to their numerous presence and their thin walls, which facilitate efficient gas exchange. They resemble clusters of grapes, with each individual sac being a part of this larger structure, allowing for maximum contact with the pulmonary capillaries surrounding them. This design is essential for effective respiration as it enables the body to absorb oxygen from the air while simultaneously expelling carbon dioxide. Understanding the role of alveoli is fundamental in studying respiratory function and disorders.