Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.

The Bronchial Tree

The Bronchial Tree

The human bronchi and bronchial tree play a crucial role in the respiratory system, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Let's delve into the intricate structure and functions of these respiratory components.
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation

Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Delineating RSV-A and RSV-B: Epidemiological Patterns, Diagnostics, Clinical Severity, and Preventive Approaches.

Journal of medical virology·2026

Same author

Association between results of component-resolved diagnostics and basophil activation in Hymenoptera venom allergy: A registry-based cross-sectional study in adults.

PloS one·2026

Same author

Diffuse Alveolar Haemorrhage as a Rare Pulmonary Manifestation of Antisynthetase Syndrome: A Case Series.

Journal of clinical medicine·2026

Same author

Adipokines in Obese Asthma: A Complex Relationship Influenced More by Sex, Weight, and Oral Steroid Treatment Than Disease Severity.

Allergy·2026

Same author

The modified Baveno classification for obstructive sleep apnoea: design of a pan-European prospective study.

Sleep medicine·2026

Same author

Dose-response relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea severity and C-reactive protein levels: data from the European Sleep Apnoea Database.

ERJ open research·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting

Published on: April 8, 2022

[Small airways in obstructive lung diseases].

Andrzej M Fal¹, Ewa Niżankowska-Mogilnicka, Paweł Sliwiński

¹Klinika Chorób Wewnętrznych i Alergologii CSK MSWiA, ul. Wołoska 137, Warsaw. amfal@wp.pl

Pneumonologia I Alergologia Polska

|February 29, 2012

Summary

Small airways (SA) are crucial in obstructive lung diseases, contributing significantly to airway resistance and air trapping in conditions like asthma and COPD. Targeting SA with ultra-fine aerosols shows promise for improved therapeutic efficacy.

More Related Videos

Murine Intrapulmonary Tracheal Transplantation: A Model for Investigating Obliterative Airway Disease After Lung Transplantation

Murine Intrapulmonary Tracheal Transplantation: A Model for Investigating Obliterative Airway Disease After Lung Transplantation

Published on: November 10, 2023

Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique

Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique

Published on: May 15, 2013

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 24, 2026

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting

Published on: April 8, 2022

Murine Intrapulmonary Tracheal Transplantation: A Model for Investigating Obliterative Airway Disease After Lung Transplantation

Murine Intrapulmonary Tracheal Transplantation: A Model for Investigating Obliterative Airway Disease After Lung Transplantation

Published on: November 10, 2023

Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique

Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique

Published on: May 15, 2013

Area of Science:

Respiratory Medicine
Pulmonary Physiology
Airway Biology

Context:

Small airways (SA), defined as bronchi below the 7th generation with diameters <2 mm, are increasingly recognized for their distinct characteristics.
SA play a critical role in obstructive airway diseases, where their contribution to total airway resistance can increase from 10% in healthy individuals to 60% in disease states.

Purpose:

To highlight the distinct architecture, physiology, and pathophysiology of small airways.
To emphasize the significant role of SA in obstructive lung diseases such as asthma and COPD.
To review current diagnostic tools and emerging strategies for assessing SA function.

Summary:

Obstructive airway diseases significantly impact SA, leading to increased resistance and air trapping, particularly in COPD.
Current diagnostic methods for SA include HRCT and body plethysmography, with future potential in combined oscilometry, nitrogen washout, and eNO measurements.
Ultra-fine particle aerosols demonstrate targeted deposition in SA, with ultrafine corticosteroid aerosols showing potential for maintaining efficacy at reduced doses.

Impact:

Understanding SA's role is vital for developing targeted therapies for obstructive airway diseases.
The development of ultra-fine aerosols facilitates drug delivery to the small airways, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
SA represent a key therapeutic target for managing conditions like asthma and COPD.