Extremely small branches of the bronchus

Extremely small branches of the bronchus

• A. Bronchi
• B. Alveoli
• C. Bronchioles
• D. Epiglottis

Answer: (C)

In the respiratory tree, extremely small branches of the bronchus are called bronchioles. They are the narrowest conducting airways after the bronchi and before the gas-exchange region. Bronchioles have no cartilage and rely on smooth muscle to regulate airflow through constriction and dilation. This makes them the correct term for the smallest branches stemming from the bronchi. Alveoli are the tiny sacs where gas exchange occurs at the ends of the airway network, not branches themselves. The bronchi are larger airways that bear cartilage and glands, while the epiglottis is a flap in the larynx that helps prevent aspiration, not part of the bronchial divisions.

In the respiratory tree, extremely small branches of the bronchus are called bronchioles. They are the narrowest conducting airways after the bronchi and before the gas-exchange region. Bronchioles have no cartilage and rely on smooth muscle to regulate airflow through constriction and dilation. This makes them the correct term for the smallest branches stemming from the bronchi.

Alveoli are the tiny sacs where gas exchange occurs at the ends of the airway network, not branches themselves. The bronchi are larger airways that bear cartilage and glands, while the epiglottis is a flap in the larynx that helps prevent aspiration, not part of the bronchial divisions.