Peribronchiolar is a medical term that refers to the area surrounding the bronchioles, the tiny branches of the respiratory tract. The word is spelled p-e-r-i-b-r-o-n-c-h-i-o-l-a-r, and it is pronounced /ˌpɛrɪˌbrɒŋkiˈoʊlər/. The prefix peri- means "surrounding," and bronchioles are the respiratory tubes that distribute air to the lungs. Understanding the proper spelling of this word is important for healthcare professionals when discussing respiratory conditions that affect the bronchiolar area.
The term "peribronchiolar" refers to the area or region surrounding the bronchioles. It is derived from the prefix "peri-" meaning "around" and the word "bronchiolar" which pertains to the bronchioles - the small, narrow air passages in the lungs.
In anatomical and medical contexts, the peribronchiolar region refers to the tissue and structures that surround the bronchioles. It includes different components such as blood vessels, connective tissue, lymphatics, and other cells that are present in this particular area. The primary function of the peribronchiolar region is to provide support, nourishment, and protection to the bronchioles, while also facilitating the exchange of gases and immune responses within the lung tissue.
The peribronchiolar region plays a crucial role in the overall respiratory system. It helps maintain the structure and integrity of the bronchioles, allowing them to function properly in the transportation of air to and from the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs). Additionally, the peribronchiolar region is involved in the regulation of mucus production and clearance, as well as the immune response to foreign particles or pathogens that may enter the airways.
Understanding the anatomy and function of the peribronchiolar region is essential in diagnosing and managing respiratory disorders such as bronchiolitis, bronchiectasis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Medical professionals often utilize imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, to assess the peribronchiolar region and evaluate any potential abnormalities or pathology affecting this specific area.
Surrounding the capillary bronchial tubes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "peribronchiolar" is composed of two main components: "peri-" and "bronchiolar".
1. "Peri-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "perí", meaning "around" or "surrounding". It is commonly used in English scientific terminology to indicate proximity or localization.
2. "Bronchiolar" refers to the bronchioles, which are the smaller branches of the bronchial tubes in the respiratory system. The term "bronchiole" is derived from the Latin word "bronchiolus", meaning "little bronchus".
By combining these two components, "peribronchiolar" is formed to describe something situated or occurring around the bronchioles, such as peribronchiolar fibrosis (scarring around the bronchioles) or peribronchiolar inflammation (inflammation around the bronchioles).