- Bronchiole
Infobox Anatomy
Name = Bronchiole
Latin =
GraySubject = 240
GrayPage = 1098
Caption = Diagram of thealveoli with both cross-section and external view.
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DorlandsPre = Bronchioles
DorlandsSuf = A04.411.125
The bronchioles or bronchioli are the firstairway branches that no longer containcartilage . They are branches of thebronchi , and are smaller than onemillimeter in diameter.There are no
gland s or cartilage in any of the bronchioles, and theepithelial cell s become morecuboidal in shape.The bronchioles terminate by entering the circular sacs called alveoli.
Control of airflow resistance and air distribution in the lungs is controlled by the bronchioles.
Pathology
Bronchospasm , a life-threatening situation, occurs when the smooth muscular tissue of the bronchioles constricts, severely narrowing their diameter. Bronchospasm is commonly treated byoxygen therapy andbronchodilator s.The medical condition of inflammation of the bronchioles is termed
bronchiolitis . Diseases of the bronchioles includeasthma ,bronchiolitis obliterans ,respiratory syncytial virus infection, andinfluenza .
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