Thickness of alveolar membrane

• Thickness of alveolar membrane:

  • 0.5 to 1 micrometer thick
  • Diffusion efficiency is highly dependent on distances involved
  • As the membrane is thin, gas exchange is rapid and efficient
• Clinical relevance membrane thickness:

  • If membrane thickened there is greater distance between alveoli and capillary
  • Diffusion would be slower and / or impaired
  • Leading to hypoxia
  • Membrane thickening may occur due to:
  • Inflammation
  • Infection
  • Fibrosis