Bronchiole 308453 218472036 2008-06-10T20:17:58Z John 764861 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/75.2.15.115|75.2.15.115]] ([[User talk:75.2.15.115|talk]]) to last version by 71.156.94.92 {{Infobox Anatomy | Name = {{PAGENAME}} | Latin = | GraySubject = 240 | GrayPage = 1098 | Image = Alveoli diagram.png | Caption = Diagram of the [[alveoli]] with both cross-section and external view. | Image2 = | Caption2 = | System = | Precursor = | MeshName = | MeshNumber = | DorlandsPre = Bronchioles | DorlandsSuf = A04.411.125 | }} The '''bronchioles''' are the first [[airway]] branches that no longer contain [[cartilage]]. They are branches of the [[bronchi]], and are smaller than one [[millimeter]] in diameter. There are no [[gland]]s or cartilage in any of the bronchioles, and the [[epithelial cell]]s become more [[cuboidal]] in shape. The bronchioles terminate by entering the circular sacs called [[alveolus|alveoli]]. Control of airflow resistance and air distrubution in the lungs is controlled by the bronchioles. They are composed of hyaline cartilage. ==Pathology== [[Bronchospasm]], a life-threatening situation, occurs when the smooth muscular tissue of the bronchioles constricts, severely narrowing their diameter. Bronchospasm is commonly treated by [[oxygen therapy]] and [[bronchodilator]]s. The medical condition of inflammation of the bronchioles is termed [[bronchiolitis]]. Diseases of the bronchioles include [[asthma]], [[bronchiolitis obliterans]], [[respiratory syncytial virus]] infection, and [[influenza]]. ==Additional images== <gallery> Image:Tertiary bronchus.JPG|Cross sectional cut of primary bronchiole Image:Diagrama de los pulmones.svg|Bronchi, bronchial tree, and lungs Image:illu_quiz_lung05.jpg |1. [[Vertebrate trachea|Trachea]]<BR>2. [[Mainstem bronchus]]<BR>3. [[Secondary bronchus|Lobar bronchus]]<BR>4. [[Tertiary bronchus|Segmental bronchus]]<BR>5. Bronchiole<BR>6. [[Alveolar duct]]<BR>7. [[Pulmonary alveolus|Alveolus]] </gallery> ==External links== * {{BUHistology|13607loa}} {{Lung}} [[Category:Respiratory system]] [[fr:Bronchiole]] [[lt:Bronchiolė]] [[pl:Oskrzeliki]] [[pt:Bronquíolo]]