Respiratory bronchiole
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| Respiratory bronchiole | |
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| Diagram of the alveoli with both cross-section and external view. | |
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| Schematic longitudinal section of a primary lobule of the lung (anatomical unit); r. b respiratory bronchiole; al. d alveolar duct; at atria; a. s alveolar sac; 'a' alveolus or air cell; p. a.: pulmonary artery; p. v pulmonary vein; l lymphatic; l. n lymph node. |
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| Latin | bronchioli respiratorii |
| Gray's | subject #240 1098 |
| Code | TH H3.05.02.0.00018 |
The respiratory bronchioles are the narrowest airways of the lungs, one fiftieth of an inch across.[1] The bronchi divide many times before evolving into the bronchioles. They are interrupted by alveoli which are thin walled evaginations. Alveolar ducts are distal continuations of the respiratory bronchioles.
According to Human Anatomy by Frederic Martini they are "the thinnest and most delicate branches of the bronchial tree, and they deliver air to the exchange surfaces of the lungs." "The epithelial cells of the respiratory bronchioles and the smaller terminal bronchioles are cuboidal. Cilia are rare, and there are no mucous or underlying mucous glands." (p. 643 "Human Anatomy" sixth edition".)
[edit] Additional images
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Part of a secondary lobule from the depth of a human lung, showing parts of several primary lobules.
[edit] References
- ^ Merck Manual of medical information,home edition, copyright 1997, first printing of pocklet books 1999, Pocket Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Inc
[edit] External links
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