Bronchus

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Segmental bronchus)

Bronchiolar epithelium 1 - SEM
Bronchial wall thickness (T) and diameter (D)
Bronchi
Relations of the aorta, trachea, esophagus and other heart structures

Bronchus refers to one of the two main branches of the trachea that carry air into the lungs. The trachea divides into the right and left bronchi, with the right bronchus being wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left. This anatomical structure is a crucial part of the respiratory system, facilitating the passage of air to and from the lungs for gas exchange.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The bronchi are made up of cartilaginous rings and smooth muscle. They branch into smaller tubes called bronchioles which further divide into even smaller passages ending in the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs. The inner lining of the bronchi is ciliated and secretes mucus to trap foreign particles, preventing them from entering the lungs.

Right Bronchus[edit | edit source]

The right bronchus is shorter, wider, and more vertical than the left. It divides into three secondary bronchi, each leading to a different lobe of the right lung. Due to its anatomy, it is more common for aspirated (inhaled) foreign objects to end up in the right bronchus.

Left Bronchus[edit | edit source]

The left bronchus is narrower, longer, and more horizontal compared to the right. It divides into two secondary bronchi for the two lobes of the left lung. Its structure is slightly more complex due to the position of the heart.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the bronchi is to conduct air from the atmosphere to the lungs and vice versa. They play a key role in the body's ability to obtain oxygen from the air and remove carbon dioxide from the blood. The mucus and cilia lining the bronchi also help to clean the air by trapping and moving debris out of the respiratory system.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Several conditions can affect the bronchi, including:

- Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi, often due to infection or exposure to irritants. - Bronchiectasis: Chronic condition involving the abnormal widening of the bronchi, leading to mucus build-up and infection. - Asthma: A chronic condition where the bronchi become inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult to breathe. - Bronchogenic carcinoma: A type of lung cancer that originates in the bronchi.

See Also[edit | edit source]

- Respiratory system - Lung - Trachea - Bronchioles - Alveoli


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD