Bronchi and function
The bronchi transport the air we breathe from the windpipe to the alveoli and thus fulfill an important function in the human body. But they are more than just a means of transport.
The anatomy of the bronchi
The bronchi are a widely branched system of tubes. Their function is to transport air within the lungs.
- In the chest, the windpipe divides into two large main bronchi that lead to the right and left lungs.
- After a few centimeters, the right main bronchus divides into three lobes, while the left main bronchus divides into only two lobes. The left lung consists of only two lobes, as the heart takes up more space on this side.
- The average of the lobe bronchi is about one centimeter. From here the bronchial system continues to branch out, similar to a tree and its branches.
- The smallest branches are called bronchioles. While the large branches were protected and shaped by cartilage braces, they are only kept open by the elastic fibers found in their walls.
We breathe without really being aware of it. The breathing activity goes without ...
Function of the bronchial system
- The most important function of the bronchial tree is to transport the air we breathe to the place of oxygen exchange. The latter takes place in the so-called alveoli, the alveoli.
- The bronchi branch over 20 times until they reach the alveoli. So it is possible that with one breath all about 300 million alveoli can be reached and the oxygen exchange can function over an area of about 100 square meters.
- The bronchi also purify the air inhaled by removing dust and Pathogens with the help of their mucus layer.
- The cilia, which are located on the walls of the bronchi, continuously transport the mucus with the impurities towards the larynx. Sometimes this process is aided by the cough reflex. The mucus is then usually swallowed and excreted through the digestive system.
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