Keuhkoputkisto

Keuhkoputkisto, known in English as the bronchial tree or bronchial tree, is the branching network of airways in the respiratory system of the lungs. It begins with the trachea, or windpipe, which splits into two main bronchi, one for each lung. These primary bronchi then further divide into smaller and smaller tubes called bronchioles. This intricate branching system continues until the smallest bronchioles end in tiny air sacs called alveoli, where gas exchange takes place.

The primary function of the keuhkoputkisto is to conduct air from the trachea to the alveoli. The walls of the bronchi and bronchioles are lined with ciliated epithelium and mucus-producing cells. The cilia beat rhythmically, propelling mucus and trapped particles, such as dust and pathogens, upwards towards the pharynx to be swallowed or expelled. This mucociliary escalator mechanism is a crucial defense system for the lungs, helping to keep them clean and free of foreign matter.

Diseases affecting the keuhkoputkisto are common and can significantly impair breathing. Conditions like bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchi, and asthma, characterized by reversible narrowing of the airways, directly impact this structure. Pneumonia, an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, can also involve inflammation and mucus buildup within the bronchial tree. The structure and function of the keuhkoputkisto are vital for efficient respiration.