Question

Individuals with asthma suffer from bronchoconstriction and inflammation in their bronchioles. Why doesn't bronchoconstriction occur in the larger bronchi? An inhaler typically mimics epinephrine's effects on the bronchioles. What do you think it does?

Bronchi contain more hyaline cartilage and less smooth muscle, which provides support to keep the airways open. An inhaler would stimulate bronchodilation to open the airways and restore air flow.

Bronchi contain more hyaline cartilage and less smooth muscle, which provides support to keep the airways open. An inhaler would thin mucous to improve air flow.

Bronchi are larger and not effected by any bronchoconstriction. An inhaler would stimulate bronchodilation to open the airways and restore air flow.

Bronchi contain more smooth muscle, which dilates when inflammation occurs. An inhaler would stimulate bronchodilation to open the airways and restore air flow.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Bronchi contain more hyaline cartilage and less smooth muscle, which provides support to keep the airways open. An inhaler would stimulate bronchodilation to open the airways and restore air flow.

Explanation

A bronchodilator is a drug which relaxes and opens the airways, or bronchi, in the lungs. Epinephrine has beneficial effects in asthma along with direct beta-adrenoceptor mediated bronchodilatation, such as alpha-receptor mediated reduction in microvascular leakage and edema, and inhibition of bronchoconstrictor neural pathways. Nebulized epinephrine (inhaler) is as effective in acute asthma and has no side-effects