A bronchus, also known as bronchi in plural form, is a primary airway or one of the two main branches of the trachea that leads directly into the lungs. It is an essential component of the respiratory system, responsible for delivering air to and from the lungs.
Structurally, a bronchus features a tube-like shape, characterized by a hollow structure surrounded by a lining of smooth muscles, cartilage rings, and a layer of protective mucous membrane. The bronchi are located within the chest cavity, with one extending into each lung. The right bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical, while the left bronchus is narrower and longer.
Functionally, bronchi serve as the main passageway for inhaled and exhaled air. When a person breathes, air travels from the nasal cavity or mouth down through the trachea and further divides into the bronchi, where it separates into smaller bronchioles within each lung. This branching structure aids in the distribution of air throughout the lungs, ensuring oxygen is efficiently absorbed while carbon dioxide, a waste product, is expelled during the exhalation process.
The bronchi are lined with tiny hair-like projections known as cilia, which help to filter and move mucus and any trapped foreign particles or irritants out of the lungs. The bronchial tubes are susceptible to various conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, or bronchiectasis, which can cause inflammation, narrowing, or damage to the airways, leading to breathing difficulties and respiratory symptoms.
