Also called relative maximum, local maximum. the value of a function at a certain point in its domain, which is greater than or equal to the values at all other points in the immediate vicinity of the point. Compare absolute maximum. the point in the domain at which a maximum occurs.
Definition of ALVEOLUS. 1. : a small cavity or pit: as a: a socket in the jaw for a tooth b: a small air-containing compartment of the lungs in which the bronchioles terminate and from which respiratory gases are exchanged with the pulmonary capillaries c: an acinus of a compound gland d: a cell of a honeycomb.2.. : a small cavity or pit: as a: a socket in the jaw for a tooth b: a small air-containing compartment of the lungs in which the bronchioles terminate and from which respiratory gases are exchanged with the pulmonary capillaries c: an acinus of a compound gland d: a cell of a honeycomb. 2.
Each alveolus is wrapped in a fine mesh of capillaries covering about 70% of its area. An adult alveolus has an average diameter of 200 micrometres, with an increase in diameter during inhalation. The alveoli consist of an epithelial layer and extracellular matrix surrounded by capillaries.