Terminal bronchioles

Definition

Terminal bronchioles are the smallest airways in the respiratory tract that do not contain alveoli. They play a critical role in regulating airflow into the respiratory zones of the lungs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Terminal bronchioles are lined with simple cuboidal epithelium.
2. They lack cartilage and glands, which are present in larger bronchioles.
3. Each terminal bronchiole branches into smaller respiratory bronchioles, leading to alveolar ducts.
4. Goblet cells are absent in terminal bronchioles, unlike in larger airways.
5. They represent the end of the conducting zone and mark the beginning of the respiratory zone.

Review Questions

Related terms

Respiratory Bronchiole: The airway that follows terminal bronchioles and leads to alveolar ducts.

Alveoli: Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs between air and blood.

Conducting Zone: Part of the respiratory system consisting of all airways that filter, warm, and moisten air but do not engage in gas exchange.