Trachea, Bronchi and Bronchioles: Human Respiratory System

Trachea, Bronchi and Bronchioles: Human Respiratory System

Respiratory system
LUNGS INTRODUCTION Lungs Diaphragm Structure of the Lungs Lungs Breathing Aerobic Respiration Diseases of the Lungs Lung Abscess Lung Biopsy Lung Cancer Lung Cancer, Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, Small Cell Lung diseases chemical exposure Lung Perfusion and Ventilation Lung Surgery Lung Transplantation

Nasal Passages Pharynx Larynx Trachea, Bronchi, and Bronchioles Alveoli RESPIRATORY REGULATION HAZARDS Bronchodilators Bronchoscopy Laryngoscopy Laryngectomy
Respiratory Diseases Asthma Aspergillosis Bronchal Adenoma Bronchitis Bronchiectasis Byssinosis Cough Emphysema Hantaviruses Hay Fever Laryngeal Cancer Laryngitis Lung Cancer Nasal Polyps Pneumonia Respiratory Failure Tuberculosis
LIVER LIVER DISEASES FUNCTIONS OF THE LIVER STRUCTURE OF THE LIVER
Circulatory system Digestive system Endocrine system
Glandular Structure Gonads Hormones Pancreas Parathyroid Glands Pineal Gland Pituitary Gland Pituitary Hormones Thymus Thyroid Gland

Trachea, Bronchi and Bronchioles

Air passes from the larynx into the trachea, a tube about 12 to 15 cm (about 5 to 6 in) long located just below the larynx. The trachea is formed of 15 to 20 C-shaped rings of cartilage. The sturdy cartilage rings hold the trachea open, enabling air to pass freely at all times. The open part of the C-shaped cartilage lies at the back of the trachea, and the ends of the “C” are connected by muscle tissue.

The base of the trachea is located a little below where the neck meets the trunk of the body. Here the trachea branches into two tubes, the left and right bronchi, which deliver air to the left and right lungs, respectively. Within the lungs, the bronchi branch into smaller tubes called bronchioles. The trachea, bronchi, and the first few bronchioles contribute to the cleansing function of the respiratory system, for they, too, are lined with mucous membranes and ciliated cells that move mucus upward to the pharynx.