Bronchiole
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218472036
2008-06-10T20:17:58Z
John
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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 |
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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 = |
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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]]