Luftvägsgrenarna

Luftvägsgrenarna, also known as the bronchial tree, refers to the branching structure of the airways in the lungs. It begins with the trachea, or windpipe, which then divides into two main bronchi, one for each lung. These primary bronchi further subdivide into smaller secondary bronchi, and then into tertiary bronchi. This process of branching continues, with each division becoming progressively narrower and more numerous.

The further divisions result in bronchioles, which are small airways that do not contain cartilage. The smallest bronchioles lead to terminal bronchioles, and these then branch into respiratory bronchioles. The respiratory bronchioles are where gas exchange begins to occur, as they lead to alveolar ducts, which open into alveoli.

The primary function of the luftvägsgrenarna is to conduct air from the trachea to the alveoli, where oxygen enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed. The branching pattern maximizes the surface area available for gas exchange and ensures that air is distributed efficiently throughout the lungs. The walls of the airways are lined with mucus-producing cells and cilia, which help to trap and remove foreign particles and pathogens, thus protecting the delicate lung tissue. The structure also plays a role in warming and humidifying inhaled air before it reaches the alveoli.