bronchiole

Small lung passage

Bronchioles are the smallest airways in the lungs, tiny branches that split off from the larger bronchi and terminate in air sacs called alveoli.

These narrow tubes—less than a millimeter in diameter—control airflow through muscular walls that can constrict or dilate.

In asthma, the bronchioles tighten, making breathing difficult.

anatomy

alveoli

Lung's gas-exchange chambers

tracheaRespiratory airway tube
pulmonaryOf the lungs
terminalAt the endpoint

respiratory · airway · lumen · epithelium · cartilage · mucosa · branching · bifurcation · conducting · lobule

function

oxygenation

Adding breathable gas

ventilationCirculation of fresh air
airflowMovement of atmosphere
diffusionPassive molecular spreading

oxygen · respiration · constriction · dilation · bronchoconstriction · bronchodilation · resistance · compliance · perfusion · inhalation

scale

microscopic

Too small for eyes

tinyExtremely small in size
smallLimited in size
minuteSixtieth of an hour

fine · narrow · millimeter · submillimeter · terminal · diminutive · delicate · intricate

pathology

asthma

Chronic lung inflammation

COPDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease
emphysemaDamaged lung air sacs
inflammationProtective tissue response

obstruction · constriction · wheezing · mucus · bronchospasm · pneumonia · fibrosis · narrowing · hyperreactivity · edema

Categories

anatomybrain, heart, bones, liver, stomach
body passagesmouth, nose, ear, nostril, anus

Opposites

airway size/hierarchy

bronchioletrachea

Respiratory airway tube

bronchus · windpipe · upper airway

respiratory function

bronchiolealveolus

Microscopic pulmonary chamber

alveoli · air sac

Family

bronchioles, bronchiolitis

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