ääreishenkitorven

ääreishenkitorvi refers to the peripheral airways of the respiratory system. These are the smaller tubes in the lungs that branch off from the larger bronchi. They are crucial for the distribution of air to the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs. Unlike the central airways, which are supported by cartilage, the peripheral airways are primarily composed of smooth muscle. This structural difference allows them to play a significant role in regulating airflow resistance and is also a key factor in certain respiratory conditions.

Diseases affecting the ääreishenkitorvi often manifest as conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In asthma, inflammation and bronchoconstriction of these small airways lead to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. COPD, which encompasses chronic bronchitis and emphysema, also involves damage and narrowing of the peripheral airways, making it difficult to exhale air from the lungs. Diagnosis and management of these conditions focus on addressing the changes occurring in these distal parts of the bronchial tree. Research into the ääreishenkitorvi continues to be important for developing more effective treatments for a wide range of lung diseases.