Lower respiratory tract
Lower Respiratory Tract
The Lower Respiratory Tract (/ˈloʊ.ər ˌrɛspɪrəˈtɔːri trækt/) is the portion of the respiratory system that includes the bronchi, bronchioles, and the lungs. It is responsible for the exchange of gases between the body and the environment.
Etymology
The term "Lower Respiratory Tract" is derived from the Latin words 'inferior' meaning 'lower', 'respirare' meaning 'to breathe', and 'tractus' meaning 'a course or path'.
Anatomy
The Lower Respiratory Tract begins with the trachea, a tube that connects the upper respiratory tract to the lungs. The trachea divides into two bronchi, each leading to a lung. Within the lungs, the bronchi further divide into smaller bronchioles that end in tiny air sacs called alveoli, where the exchange of gases occurs.
Related Terms
- Upper Respiratory Tract: The portion of the respiratory system that includes the nose, mouth, throat, and larynx.
- Respiratory System: The group of organs and tissues that allow humans and animals to breathe.
- Bronchi: The main passageway into the lungs.
- Bronchioles: Small branches of the bronchi that lead to the alveoli.
- Alveoli: Tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs.
- Trachea: The windpipe, a tube that connects the pharynx and larynx to the lungs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lower respiratory tract
- Wikipedia's article - Lower respiratory tract
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski