What is bronchioles?

Bronchioles are the smallest branches of the bronchial tree, which is the system of airways in the lungs. They are responsible for conducting air to and from the alveoli, the tiny sacs where gas exchange takes place. Bronchioles are lined with ciliated epithelium, which helps to remove dust, pollen, and other particles from the air before it reaches the alveoli.

Bronchioles are typically less than 1 millimeter in diameter, and they can be subdivided into two types: terminal bronchioles and respiratory bronchioles. Terminal bronchioles are the smallest branches of the bronchial tree, and they do not have any further divisions. Respiratory bronchioles are larger than terminal bronchioles, and they have small outpouchings called alveoli.

Bronchioles are an important part of the respiratory system, and they play a vital role in gas exchange. Damage to the bronchioles, such as that caused by smoking or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can lead to respiratory problems.