The lower respiratory tract is anatomically composed of several vital structures, including the larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli, lungs, and pleurae. Each component has a specific function, and all are intricately connected to ensure efficient respiration.
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the esophagus and air to the trachea. Meanwhile, the vocal cords and glottis play a vital role in voice production.
The Trachea
Commonly called the windpipe, the trachea is a cylindrical tube about 10-12 centimeters long and 2 centimeters in diameter in adults. It starts at the larynx (just below the voice box) and extends to the fifth thoracic vertebra level, bifurcating into the right and left main bronchi. Structurally, the trachea comprises 16 to 20 C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage connected by muscles and ligaments. These cartilage rings help keep the trachea open for airflow. The tracheal lining comprises ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium, which contains goblet cells that produce mucus.
The Bronchi
The trachea bifurcates into the right and left primary bronchi at its lower extremity, acting as conduits to their respective lungs. The right primary bronchus is shorter, more comprehensive, and positioned more vertically compared to the left bronchus. Each primary bronchus enters the lung at a region called the hilum and then branches into smaller tubes, known as lobar (secondary) bronchi, which correspond to the number of lobes in the lung—three on the right (for the upper, middle, and lower lobes) and two on the left (for the upper and lower lobes).
These lobar bronchi further divide into segmental (tertiary) bronchi, each supplying air to a specific lung segment. The segmental bronchi continue to branch into smaller and smaller bronchioles, culminating in the terminal bronchioles. This branching pattern is called the bronchial tree. The walls of the bronchi are structurally similar to the trachea, containing cartilage pieces that ensure the airway remains open. However, as the bronchi branch into smaller bronchioles, the amount of cartilage decreases, and the muscular component becomes more prominent, allowing for greater control over airway resistance and airflow distribution through bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation.
The lungs
The lungs are large; elastic organs are located within the thoracic cage, protected by the ribcage and diaphragm. The right lung contains three lobes: upper, middle, and lower. The left lung has two lobes, including upper and lower. This variation stems from the heart occupying space on the left side of the chest. The diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle positioned between the thoracic and abdominal cavities, plays a vital role in the breathing process. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and flattens, expanding the thoracic cavity volume and allowing the lungs to fill with air.
The pleurae
Enveloping the lungs are the pleurae, consisting of two main layers: the visceral pleura directly covering the lung surface and the parietal pleura lining that lines the chest wall and diaphragm. The space between these layers, the pleural cavity, contains a small amount of lubricating fluid that reduces friction during breathing movements.
In summary, the lower respiratory tract is a complex system that efficiently transports air to the lungs, facilitates gas exchange, and protects the respiratory system from pathogens and foreign particles. Its components work synergistically to support vital respiratory functions, contributing to an individual's overall health and well-being.
