Reid L
J Anat. 1976 Nov;122(Pt 2):349-55.
Visceral cartilage is found in the airways and appendages of the respiratory tract. It has a characteristic arrangement at various airway levels. Cartilage maintains the large airways patent and since muscle attachment is in part to cartilage, its arrangement influences the effect of muscle contraction. Bronchi are defined as the airways proximal to the last plate of cartilage. The intra-uterine development of cartilage, its distribution in the adult, change in disease and the bronchial arterial supply of large airways are considered.
内脏软骨存在于呼吸道的气道和附属器官中。它在气道的不同层面有独特的排列方式。软骨维持大气道通畅,且由于肌肉部分附着于软骨,其排列会影响肌肉收缩的效果。支气管被定义为最后一块软骨板近端的气道。文中还探讨了软骨在子宫内的发育、在成人中的分布、疾病中的变化以及大气道的支气管动脉供应。