Introduction
Bronchus is an important part of the human respiratory system, responsible for the transfer of air to and from the lungs. It is divided into two main divisions, the primary bronchi, and the secondary bronchi. The primary bronchi extend from the trachea to the left and right main bronchi, which then divide into tertiary bronchi and ultimately become the bronchioles, which are the smallest branches of the bronchial tree. Understanding the anatomy of the bronchus, and its interaction with other parts of the respiratory system, is important for diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases (Bruzzese, 2017).
Anatomy
The bronchus is approximately 2-3 centimeters long and is connected to the trachea by the carina. It has a cartilaginous and membranous layer, and is lined by ciliated pseudostratified epithelium. The two main bronchi extend from the trachea to the left and right main bronchi, which then divide into tertiary bronchi. Each tertiary bronchi further branches into secondary bronchi, which divide into segmental bronchi. Finally, the segmental bronchi divide into bronchioles. The bronchioles are the smallest branches of the bronchial tree, and the last segment of the airways that contain ciliated epithelium (Llewellyn, 2017).
Function
The primary function of the bronchus is to move air to and from the lungs. Air is inhaled through the nose and mouth, and then enters the trachea. The trachea then divides into the two main bronchi, which provide the connection between the trachea and the lungs. The bronchus is lined with cilia, which help to move air and mucus along the airway. The cilia also help to trap foreign particles and microorganisms, preventing them from entering the lungs (Llewellyn, 2017).
Clinical Significance
The bronchus can be affected by a range of diseases, such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial wall, resulting in an increase in mucus production and difficulty in breathing. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, resulting in narrowing of the bronchus and difficulty in breathing. COPD is a progressive disease of the lungs, characterized by obstruction of the airways and difficulty in breathing (Bruzzese, 2017).
Conclusion
The bronchus is an important part of the respiratory system, responsible for the exchange of air between the trachea and the lungs. It is divided into two main divisions, the primary bronchi, and the secondary bronchi. The primary bronchi provide the connection between the trachea and the lungs, and the bronchioles are the smallest branches of the bronchial tree. The bronchus is important for the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis, asthma, and COPD.
References
Bruzzese, M. (2017). Anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system. In Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America, 35(3), 471-487.
Llewellyn, C. (2017). Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory System. In Lecture Notes on Anatomy and Physiology, 2(1), 1-15.