Bronchial tree. How the bronchial tree is arranged

The bronchial tree in the structure is a trachea and the bronchial trunks that leave it. The totality of these branches makes up the structure of the tree. The structure is identical for all people and has no striking differences. Bronchi are the tubular branches of the main trachea, having the ability to conduct air and connect it to the respiratory parenchyma of the lung.

Structure of the main bronchi

The first branching of the trachea is the two main bronchi that depart from it at almost a right angle, and each of them is directed towards the left or right lung, respectively. The bronchial system is asymmetrical and has small differences in the structure of different sides. For example, the main left bronchus is slightly narrower than the right one, and has a long extension.

The structure of the walls of the main air-conducting trunks is the same as that of the main trachea, and they consist of a series of cartilaginous rings, which are connected by a system of ligaments. The only distinguishing feature is that in the bronchi all rings are always closed and do not have mobility. In quantitative terms, the difference between versatile barrels is determined by the fact that the right one has a length of 6-8 rings, and the left one - up to 12. Inside, all the bronchi are covered with a mucous membrane.

Bronchial tree

The main bronchi in their end begin to branch. Branching occurs on 16-18 smaller tubular leads. Such a system, due to its appearance, was called "bronchial tree". The anatomy and structure of new branchings differ little from previous departments. They have smaller dimensions and smaller diameter of the air paths. Such branching is called a share. It is followed by segmental, with the formation of branching to the lower, middle and upper lobar bronchi. And then they are divided into systems of apical, posterior, anterior segmental pathways.

Thus, the bronchial tree branches out more and more, reaching the 15th order of division. The smallest bronchi are lobular. Their diameter is only 1 mm. These bronchi are also divided into terminal bronchioles, ending with respiratory. On their ends are located alveoli and alveolar courses. The system of respiratory bronchioles is a set of alveolar courses and alveoli, closely adjacent to each other and forming the parenchyma of the lungs.

In general, the wall of the bronchi consists of three membranes. These are: mucous, muscular-cartilaginous, adventitial. In turn, the mucosa is densely lined and has a multi-row structure, is covered with cilia, secrets, has its own neuroendocrine cells capable of forming and releasing biogenic amines, as well as cells involved in mucosal regeneration processes.

Physiological functions

The main and most important function of the bronchus is to hold air masses in the respiratory parenchyma of the lung and in the opposite direction. Bronchial tree is also a guard system of the respiratory system and protects them from dust, various microorganisms, harmful gases. Regulation of the volume and velocity of the air flow passing through the bronchial system is realized when the difference between the air pressure in the alveoli and in the surrounding air changes. This effect is achieved by the work of the respiratory muscles.

At the inhalation, the diameter of the lumen of the bronchi changes in the direction of expansion, which is achieved by regulating the tone of the smooth muscles, and on expiration it decreases significantly. The resulting disorders in the regulation of smooth muscle tone are both causes and consequences of many respiratory diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis.

Dust particles, as well as microorganisms, that escape with air are removed by moving the mucous secretions through the cilia system in the direction of the trachea to the upper respiratory organs. The mucus containing foreign impurities is excreted by coughing.

Hierarchy

The branching of the bronchial system is not chaotic, but follows a strictly established procedure. Hierarchy of the bronchi:

• The main ones.
• Zonal - the second order.
• Segmental and subsegmental are 3rd, 4th, 5th orders.
• Small - 6-15 orders of magnitude.
• Terminal.

This hierarchy fully corresponds to the division of lung tissue. Thus, the lobar bronchi correspond to the lungs, and the segmental ones correspond to the segments of the lung, and so on.

Blood supply

Blood supply of the bronchi is carried out with the help of arterial bronchial lobes of the thoracic aorta, as well as with the help of the esophageal arteries. Venous blood is removed with unpaired and semi-unpaired veins.

Where are the human bronchi?

The chest contains numerous organs, vessels. It is formed by the costal and muscular structure. It is designed to protect the most vital systems located within it. Answering the question: "Where are the bronchi located?", It is necessary to consider the location of the lungs, connecting with them blood, lymphatic vessels and nerve endings.

The size of the lungs is such that they occupy the entire front surface of the chest. The trachea and bronchi located in the center of this system are located under the anterior section of the spine located in the central part between the ribs. All the leads of the bronchial tubes are located under the costal network of the anterior sternum. The bronchial tree (the scheme of its location) associatively corresponds to the structure of the thorax. Thus, the length of the trachea corresponds to the location of the central spine of the thorax. And its branches are located under the ribs, which can also visually be defined as the branching of the central column.

Bronchial examination

Methods of research of the respiratory system include:

• Interrogation of the patient.
• Auscultation.
• X-ray examination.
• MRI of the lungs and bronchi.

Methods of research, their purpose

When conducting a patient survey, possible factors that can affect the state of the respiratory system, such as smoking, harmful working conditions, are established. Upon examination, the doctor pays attention to the skin color of the patient, the shape of the chest, the frequency of the breaths, their intensity, the presence of coughing, shortness of breath, sounds unusual for normal breathing. Also, palpation of the chest is performed, which is able to clarify its shape, volume, the presence of subcutaneous emphysema, the nature of vocal jitter and the frequency of sounds. Deviation from the norm of any of these indicators indicates the presence of a disease that is reflected in such changes.

Auscultation of the lungs is performed with the help of an endoscope and is performed to detect changes in respiratory noise, wheezing, wheezing, and other sounds uncharacteristic of normal breathing. With this method, by ear, a doctor can determine the nature of the disease, the presence of swelling of the mucous membranes, sputum.

One of the most important roles in the study of diseases of the bronchial tree is played by x-rays. An overview radiograph of the human chest allows you to distinguish the nature of the pathological processes occurring in the respiratory system. The structure of the bronchial tree is well seen and can be analyzed to identify pathological changes. The picture shows changes in the structure of the lungs, their extensions, bronchial lumens, thickening of the walls, the presence of tumor formations.

MRI of the lungs and bronchi is performed in anteroposterior and transverse projections. This makes it possible to examine and study the state of the trachea and bronchi in their stratified image, as well as in the cross-section.

Methods of treatment

Modern methods of treatment include both operative and non-surgical treatment of diseases. It:

1. Medical bronchoscopy. It is aimed at removal of bronchial contents and is performed in the treatment room, under the influence of local or general anesthesia. Firstly, the trachea and bronchi are examined to establish the nature and area of damage from the effects of inflammatory changes. Then, washing with indifferent or antiseptic solutions is carried out, medicinal substances are introduced.
2. Sanitation of the bronchial tree. This method is the most effective of the known and includes a number of procedures aimed at clearing the bronchial ways from excessive mucus, eliminating inflammatory processes. For this, you can use: chest massage, use of expectorants, installation of special drainage up to several times a day, inhalation.

Providing the body with oxygen, and therefore ensuring the ability of the body to life is due to the harmonious work of the respiratory system and blood supply. The relationship of these systems, as well as the speed of the flow of processes determine the ability of the body to monitor and implement the various processes taking place in it. When the physiological processes of respiration are altered or disturbed, there is a negative effect on the state of the whole organism as a whole.