This term, purported to have been introduced into anatomy by Vesalius, designates the socket of a tooth. More recently, Malphigi used it to describe the small air cavities in the lungs. This is the arch of bone along the superior border of the mandibular body cavitated with the sockets of the sixteen teeth of the lower tooth row.

Alveolar comes from the Latin alveolus meaning a small cavity. It is the diminutive of the Latin alvus meaning a hollow or trough.

Arcade alvéolaire

Alveolarer Bogen

Arco alveolar