Lower respiratory tract

Lower respiratory tract refers to the part of the respiratory system that is located below the vocal cords. It includes the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs. The lower respiratory tract is responsible for the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the blood.

Anatomy

The lower respiratory tract begins with the trachea, a tube that carries air from the larynx to the bronchi. The trachea divides into two bronchi, each leading to a lung. Within the lungs, the bronchi further divide into smaller bronchioles. The bronchioles end in tiny air sacs called alveoli, where the exchange of gases takes place.

Function

The primary function of the lower respiratory tract is to facilitate the exchange of gases. Oxygen from the air we breathe in is absorbed into the blood in the alveoli, while carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration, is expelled from the blood into the alveoli and then exhaled.

Diseases

Diseases of the lower respiratory tract include pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These diseases can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Treatment

Treatment for diseases of the lower respiratory tract depends on the specific disease and its severity. It may include medications, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections, bronchodilators for asthma, and corticosteroids for inflammation. In severe cases, hospitalization and mechanical ventilation may be required.

See also

• Upper respiratory tract
• Respiratory system
• Pulmonology

Lower respiratory tract Resources
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