What are bronchi and bronchioles responsible for?

The role of bronchi and bronchioles is primarily to conduct air to the lungs, which is essential for the process of respiration. The bronchi are the major air passages that branch off from the trachea and lead into each lung, dividing into smaller bronchi and then further into bronchioles. This branching structure increases the surface area for air distribution within the lungs, ensuring that oxygen can be effectively delivered to the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs.

While the bronchioles are also involved in regulating airflow and are lined with smooth muscles that control their diameter, their main function ties back to the conduction of air. The process of gas exchange, which involves the transfer of oxygen into the blood and the removal of carbon dioxide, takes place in the alveoli, but it relies on the bronchi and bronchioles to facilitate airflow to these sites. Thus, the answer emphasizes the dual role of conducting air and assisting in the overarching process of gas exchange, which is fundamental to respiratory function.