The bronchial circulation is provided by the bronchial arteries and bronchial veins.

Bronchial arteries

The left lung typically has two bronchial arteries (left superior bronchial artery and left inferior bronchial artery), while the right lung contains only one right bronchial artery. Both left bronchial arteries usually arise from the descending thoracic aorta.

The origin of the right bronchial artery is variable. However, it usually arises from the intercostobronchial trunk. The bronchial arteries run with and branch along with the bronchi, ending at the level of the respiratory bronchioles. They supply the following anatomical structures:

Roots of the lungs
Visceral pleura
Pulmonary vessels and aorta
Supporting connective tissue of the lungs
Trachea
Bronchi
Middle-third of the esophagus
Part of the pericardium
Vagus nerve (CN X)

Bronchial veins

The bronchial veins provide venous drainage of the lungs, and they collect deoxygenated blood from the areas supplied by the bronchial arteries. The lungs contain two bronchial venous drainage systems - superficial and deep.

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Bronchial circulation