broncoarterial

Bronchoarterial, sometimes spelled broncoarterial, is an anatomical term used to describe the close association between a bronchus and the accompanying pulmonary artery branch within the lung. In medical literature it is often used to refer to the bronchoarterial bundle, the bronchovascular unit that includes a segmental bronchus together with its accompanying artery.

Anatomy and context: In the lung, each airway travels with a corresponding branch of the pulmonary artery within a connective tissue sheath, forming the bronchovascular bundle. This bronchoarterial relationship is a fundamental aspect of pulmonary anatomy and serves as a key reference point in imaging and thoracic surgery. The bundle may also involve accompanying veins and surrounding supportive tissue, collectively contributing to the organization of the lung’s central airways and vessels.

Imaging and clinical relevance: The bronchoarterial ratio is a radiologic metric used on cross-sectional imaging, especially high-resolution CT, to assess airway and vascular caliber. An abnormally large bronchus relative to the adjacent pulmonary artery—often described as a bronchoarterial ratio exceeding unity—can be a radiologic indicator of bronchiectasis. The bronchoarterial relationship is also considered in surgical planning and interventional radiology when evaluating airway-vessel anatomy.

Terminology: Broncoarterial is a less common variant spelling; bronchoarterial is the more widely used form in medical texts. The term is related to, but distinct from, bronchovascular or bronchial artery terminology, which refer to broader aspects of airway and vascular anatomy in the thorax.