Which structures make up the lower respiratory tract?

The lower respiratory tract is specifically defined as the part of the respiratory system located below the larynx, which is where the upper and lower respiratory tracts are differentiated. The trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles are central components of this system.

The trachea serves as the primary airway leading from the larynx down into the lungs, where it branches into the right and left bronchi. Each bronchus further divides into smaller branches known as bronchioles. This branching structure is crucial for directing air to various parts of the lungs, facilitating gas exchange within the alveoli at the terminal ends of the bronchioles.

Understanding the anatomy of the lower respiratory tract is essential because it outlines how air travels through these structures to enable respiration, highlighting their role in both airway patency and lung function. This distinction of the lower tract is important for clinical assessments, as conditions affecting this area often lead to respiratory illnesses or obstructive diseases.