terminal bronchiole
Quick Summary
The terminal bronchiole is the final segment of the conducting zone of the respiratory system. These airways, approximately one millimeter in diameter, branch off from the bronchioles and lead into the acinus, which contains the gas-exchanging structures of the lung called alveoli.12
The walls of the terminal bronchioles lack cartilage but are lined with cuboidal epithelium containing ciliated cells and Clara cells. These cells play a role in secreting substances that help maintain the airway. The smooth muscle in the bronchiole walls can contract, potentially narrowing the airway, which is a factor in conditions like asthma. The terminal bronchioles are crucial for distributing air to the alveoli, where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs.1324
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human respiratory systemStructural design of the airway treeā¦in the lung are the terminal bronchioles. Distally, the airway structure is greatly altered by the appearance of cuplike outpouchings from the walls. These form minute air chambers and represent the first gas-exchanging alveoli on the airway path. In the alveoli, the respiratory epithelium gives way to a very flatā¦
Read Moreā¦in the lung are the terminal bronchioles. Distally, the airway structure is greatly altered by the appearance of cuplike outpouchings from the walls. These form minute air chambers and represent the first gas-exchanging alveoli on the airway path. In the alveoli, the respiratory epithelium gives way to a very flatā¦
Read More- respiratory diseaseMorphological classification of respiratory disease
ā¦smaller tubes until finally the terminal bronchioles, which are about one millimetre in diameter, are reached. On average, 16 generations of division occur between the trachea and the terminal bronchioles. Although there is only one airway at the beginningāthe tracheaāthere are thousands of terminal bronchioles. The cross-sectional area of theā¦
Read Moreā¦smaller tubes until finally the terminal bronchioles, which are about one millimetre in diameter, are reached. On average, 16 generations of division occur between the trachea and the terminal bronchioles. Although there is only one airway at the beginningāthe tracheaāthere are thousands of terminal bronchioles. The cross-sectional area of theā¦
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