Bronchiolus

/brɒŋˈkiːələs/ noun

Definition

A microscopic breathing tube in the lungs that comes after the larger bronchioles and is one of the tiniest airways.

Etymology

Latin diminutive form of bronchius, itself derived from Greek bronchos (windpipe). The -olus ending indicates a small version, reflecting the anatomical hierarchy from large to small airways.

Kelly Says

Your lungs contain approximately 30,000 bronchioles, and they're so small that you'd need a powerful microscope to see them—yet together they're responsible for delivering oxygen to your blood every single second of your life.

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