The lung is an organ that is characterized by an extremely complex structure and complicated composition. Very central components that play a very significant role in determining the anatomy of the lungs are the bronchi.
What are bronchi?
Schematic diagram showing the anatomy and structure of the lungs and bronchi. Click to enlarge. The bronchi play a crucial role in the function and structure of the airways. In this context, the bronchi form a summary term for various departments of the airways and are also referred to as the so-called “dead space” of the lungs, since no active gas exchange takes place there. The bronchi comprise tree-like and tapering branches of the trachea, the windpipe. If there are dysfunctions of the bronchi or abnormalities in their construction, there may be significant limitations in physical health. The bronchi also form the tissue basis for the lungs and are more or less intensively involved in gas exchange. To this end, the bronchi have a very delicate morphology.
Anatomy and structure
The fine structure of the bronchi is exceedingly important in order to be able to fulfill a guarantee of the correspondingly vital task, respiration. In addition, the bronchi are subject to extreme environmental influences to some extent. When the bronchi pass from the trachea into the bronchial tissue, these components are very delicate. In their finest areas, they pass into the bronchioles, and from them into the alveoli. In the anatomy of the bronchi, the major, minor and bronchioles are relevant. All specified sections of the bronchi are characterized by alternating types of tissues. The main tissues in the bronchi include the mucous membranes with mucus-producing jets and ciliated epithelium, connective tissues made of collagen, cartilaginous tissues, and musculature. There are no longer mucous glands in the bronchioles.
Functions and tasks
The main functions of the bronchioles, which occur in the lowest part of the respiratory tract, include passing the inhaled air to the alveoli, where the actual gas exchange takes place, cleaning the air breathed, and distributing it evenly to all the lobes of the lungs. In addition, particles from the respiratory air stick to the mucus zones and the ciliated epithelium so that they can be removed by the bronchi later when the patient coughs. In this way, the bronchi prevent the alveoli from sticking together and pathogens from being breathed in. The bronchial tubes transport the air to the alveoli so that the oxygen-depleted blood, which is rich in carbon dioxide, receives oxygen there again. To prevent the bronchi from collapsing in the upper regions, cartilaginous tissue and muscle tissue perform a special support function. The sticky ciliated epithelium, which is constantly moistened by the goblet cells, takes over the purification of the air.
Diseases
Bronchial diseases and ailments are mainly about acute and chronic inflammation of the bronchi. Especially acute bronchitis is usually accompanied by a flu-like infection and usually heals quickly. This is different with bronchitis, which constantly recurs and is therefore classified as chronic. Chronic bronchitis can be caused by excessive irritation of the bronchial tubes. This is usually triggered by “foreign bodies” such as nicotine or various sticks or pollen. In this context, the allergic diseases of the bronchial tubes also have an enormous importance. These diseases increase proportionally to the growing air pollution. People suffer from a chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes, bronchial asthma, when there is a permanent contraction of the muscle fibers in the bronchial tubes. This disease is also accompanied by shortness of breath and heavy expectoration of mucus. Another disease, which is also related to the bronchi, is the unpleasant and sometimes agonizing irritable cough. Irritative cough can occur in two forms, dry and moist irritative cough and represents a protective reaction of the bronchial tubes. A chronic irritating cough can lead to the manifestation of chronic bronchitis. If the bronchi are permanently inflamed, it is possible that pneumonia will develop as the disease progresses. From these aspects, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assumes great importance.This shows that pathological processes in the bronchi can lead to further secondary diseases of this vital organ. The colloquial term lung cancer ultimately hides a form of cancer that affects the bronchi.
Typical and common diseases
- Bronchitis
- Irritative cough
- Chronic bronchitis
- Asthma
