Overview

The bronchial tree conducts air from the trachea to bronchioles and alveoli with progressive branching that increases surface area. Cartilaginous support in larger airways maintains patency while smaller airways rely on smooth muscle tone. Airway clearance and mucociliary function protect against infection.

Trachea and Main Bronchi

The trachea bifurcates into right and left main bronchi at the carina and further divides into lobar and segmental bronchi. Structural lesions compression or foreign bodies affect airflow and require imaging or endoscopic evaluation. Bronchoscopy provides direct visualization and intervention.

Small Airways

Bronchioles lack cartilage and are susceptible to constriction inflammation and obstruction in diseases such as asthma and bronchiolitis. Small airway disease contributes to airflow limitation and ventilation heterogeneity. High resolution CT assesses small airway pathology.

Clinical Relevance

Airway diseases include obstruction infection bronchiectasis and neoplasms. Imaging and endoscopy guide diagnosis and therapeutic interventions such as stenting or resection. Pulmonary rehabilitation and pharmacotherapy improve airway function.