Luftvägsnedre

Luftvägsnedre refers to the lower respiratory tract. This anatomical region encompasses the structures of the lungs, including the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. The primary function of the lower respiratory tract is gas exchange, where oxygen is taken into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is eliminated from the body.

The trachea, or windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi. It is lined with cilia and mucus-producing cells that help trap and remove foreign particles. The trachea then branches into two main bronchi, one for each lung. These bronchi further subdivide into smaller and smaller tubes called bronchioles.

At the end of the bronchioles are tiny air sacs called alveoli. These thin-walled sacs are surrounded by capillaries, allowing for efficient diffusion of oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide out of the blood. Inflammation or infection of these lower airway structures can lead to various respiratory conditions. Common examples include pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma, which can impair breathing and gas exchange. The health of the lower respiratory tract is crucial for overall respiratory function and survival.