Which description about alveoli distribution is correct?

The claim that alveoli are smallest at the base of the lung is supported by the understanding of lung anatomy and physiology. Alveoli, the tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs, vary in size depending on their location within the lungs.

At the apex of the lungs, the alveoli are generally larger. This larger size is due to the lower volume of air pressure and distribution at higher altitudes of the lung tissue. Conversely, as we move toward the base of the lungs, the alveoli become smaller; this is because they are compressed by the weight of the lung tissue above them as well as the greater blood flow and expansion of lung volume that occurs during inhalation at the base.

This anatomical distribution allows for optimal gas exchange, as the larger alveoli can accommodate greater volumes of air and facilitate gas exchange more effectively in regions of the lung that receive more ventilation. Understanding this distribution is essential for grasping how the respiratory system functions efficiently.