EPARTERIAL BRONCHUS Meaning and
Definition
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An eparterial bronchus is a rare anatomical variation in the branching pattern of the bronchial tree. The bronchial tree is a complex system of air passageways in the lungs responsible for delivering air to the respiratory units. Normally, the right main bronchus bifurcates into two smaller bronchi, one supplying the upper lobe and the other supplying the middle and lower lobes of the right lung. However, in individuals with an eparterial bronchus, an additional bronchus emerges from the right main bronchus above the origin of the normal branches.
The eparterial bronchus is characterized by its abnormal course and potential implications. Instead of taking a more direct route to its designated lobe, the eparterial bronchus runs superiorly and passes anteriorly to the right pulmonary artery. This irregular path can cause respiratory issues, such as increased vulnerability to infections or predisposition to bronchial compression and subsequent complications.
Though typically an incidental finding in imaging studies, the presence of an eparterial bronchus can be significant in certain clinical scenarios, particularly for thoracic surgeons, radiologists, and anatomists. Knowledge of this anatomical variant is crucial for preventing iatrogenic complications during surgery or other interventional procedures in the chest region.
In summary, an eparterial bronchus refers to an additional bronchus arising from the right main bronchus that takes an abnormal course. Understanding this anatomical variation is vital for medical professionals, as it can impact respiratory health and affect surgical or interventional procedures in the thoracic region.
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The first collateral branch of the right bronchus, which passes above the right pulmonary artery.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EPARTERIAL BRONCHUS
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Etymology of EPARTERIAL BRONCHUS
The word "eparterial bronchus" is derived from two main terms: "eparterial" and "bronchus".
1. "Eparterial" is formed by combining the prefix "epi-" meaning "upon" or "above", and "arterial" which refers to the arteries. Therefore, "eparterial" describes a structure that is situated above or upon an artery.
2. "Bronchus" comes from the Greek word "bronkhos", meaning "windpipe" or "breath". It refers to the major air passages within the lungs that connect the trachea to the smaller bronchioles.
Combining these two terms, "eparterial bronchus" refers to a bronchus that is situated above or upon an artery.
