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Anatomy, pathology, and physiology of the tracheobronchial tree: Emphasis on the distal airways

The tracheobronchial conducting airways form a complex series of branching tubes that culminate in the gas exchange area, with the average number of branches approximately the same for most mammalian species. The more proximal of these branches, the bronchi, are usually characterized by their unique histologic composition, including the presence of mucus and basal cells in the epithelium, mucosal glands in the interstitium, and a significant amount of cartilage in the interstitial spaces. More distally, the bronchioles have a thinner wall, the complex nature of the airway epithelial population is reduced, and the preponderance of the wall is composed of smooth muscle with little to no cartilage.

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Articles of Interest

The Trachea and Bronchial Tree

The trachea, commonly called the windpipe, is the main airway to the lungs. It divides into the right and left bronchi at the level of the fifth thoracic vertebra, channeling air to the right or left lung. The hyaline cartilage in the tracheal wall provides support and keeps the trachea from collapsing. The posterior soft tissue allows for expansion of the esophagus, which is immediately posterior to the trachea. The mucous membrane that lines the trachea is ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium similar to that in the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Goblet cells produce mucus that traps airborne particles and microorganisms, and the cilia propel the mucus upward, where it is either swallowed or expelled.

The Tracheobronchial Tree

The trachea, bronchi and bronchioles form the tracheobronchial tree – a system of airways that allow passage of air into the lungs, where gas exchange occurs. These airways are located in the neck and thorax.

Variations of the tracheobronchial tree: Anatomical and clinical significance

Knowledge and understanding of tracheobronchial variations have important implications for diagnosis of symptomatic patients and performing certain procedures, including bronchoscopy and endotracheal intubation.

Resources

Physiopedia

Its main function is the transfer of air from the environment to the lungs for gas exchange. The tracheobronchial tree has a branching structure of approximately 23 branches or generations extending from the trachea (generation 0) to the last order of terminal bronchioles

Radiopaedia

The tracheobronchial tree is the branching tree of airways beginning at the larynx and extending inferiorly and peripherally into the lungs as bronchioles. The luminal diameter decreases as the branching increases more peripherally into the lungs. The walls of the airway down to the level of the bronchioles contain C-shaped rings composed of hyaline cartilage to maintain luminal patency.

StatPearls

The tracheobronchial tree is composed of the trachea, the bronchi, and the bronchioles that transport air from the environment to the lungs for gas exchange.