Bronchial artery

Definition

The bronchial artery is a blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the lungs, supporting the tissues of the lungs outside of the alveoli where gas exchange occurs. Unlike the pulmonary arteries, which carry deoxygenated blood to the alveoli for oxygenation, bronchial arteries provide nutrients and oxygen to the lung tissue itself.

Related terms

Pulmonary Circulation:

The part of the circulatory system which carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and returns oxygenated blood back to the heart.

Alveoli:

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange between air and blood takes place.

Oxygenated Blood: Blood rich in oxygen and low in carbon dioxide, typically found in arteries after passing through the lungs for gas exchange