Bronchioles
Bronchioles are a feature of the respiratory system and branch from the Bronchi, they are the smallest of the airways. Alveoli are found at the end of the bronchioles (this is where the gas exchange occurs).
Structure
Larger bronchioles have ciliated cells lining the lumen. However, in smaller bronchioles the Epithelium is not lined with ciliated cells. [1]
Infection
The bronchioles are subject to many infections and diseases including Bronchiolitis obliterans-organizing pneumonia (BOOP) [2].
References
- ↑ University of Leeds Faculty of Biological Sciences, 2003. The Histology Guide: Bronchioles. Available at: http://www.histology.leeds.ac.uk/respiratory/conducting.php (Last accessed: 22.10.2015)
- ↑ Pardo J, Panizo A, Sola I, Queipo F, Martinez-Peñuela A, Carias R.. (2013). Prognostic value of clinical, morphologic, and immunohistochemical factors in patients with bronchiolitis obliterans-organizing pneumonia.. Human pathology. 44 (5), 718-24