Bronchial artery

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Bronchial artery

The bronchial arteries are a group of arteries that supply oxygenated blood to the lungs and bronchi. They are part of the systemic circulation and are distinct from the pulmonary arteries, which carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation.

Anatomy

The bronchial arteries typically originate from the thoracic aorta. There are usually two left bronchial arteries and one right bronchial artery, although variations can occur. The left bronchial arteries often arise directly from the thoracic aorta, while the right bronchial artery may arise from a common trunk with the third posterior intercostal artery or from the superior bronchial artery.

Left Bronchial Arteries

The left bronchial arteries usually arise from the thoracic aorta at the level of the fifth or sixth thoracic vertebra. They supply the left lung, including the bronchi, bronchioles, and the supporting structures of the lung.

Right Bronchial Artery

The right bronchial artery often arises from a common trunk with the third posterior intercostal artery or directly from the thoracic aorta. It supplies the right lung, including the bronchi, bronchioles, and the supporting structures of the lung.

Function

The primary function of the bronchial arteries is to provide oxygenated blood to the lung tissue, including the bronchi and the connective tissue of the lungs. This is essential for the maintenance and repair of lung tissue. The bronchial arteries also play a role in the immune system by supplying blood to the lymph nodes and other immune structures within the lungs.

Clinical Significance

The bronchial arteries can be involved in various medical conditions. For example, they can become enlarged in conditions such as bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In some cases, the bronchial arteries can be a source of significant hemoptysis (coughing up blood), which may require medical intervention such as bronchial artery embolization.

Related Structures

• Pulmonary arteries
• Thoracic aorta
• Bronchi
• Lungs
• Right ventricle
• Immune system

See Also

• Pulmonary circulation
• Systemic circulation
• Bronchiectasis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Hemoptysis
• Bronchial artery embolization