A Bronchiole is one of the finer subdivisions of the airways, less than 1 mm in diameter, and having no cartilage in its wall.

In the context of the environment, "bronchioles" are small airways in the respiratory system that branch off from the bronchi and lead to the alveoli (the tiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen is exchanged). Bronchioles are lined with smooth muscle tissue, which can contract or relax to regulate the airflow in the respiratory system.

Bronchioles can be affected by a variety of environmental factors, such as air pollution, allergens, and respiratory infections. Exposure to these factors can cause inflammation and irritation of the bronchioles, leading to respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

Here are a few examples of how "bronchioles" might be used in the context of the environment:

• Air pollution: Bronchioles can be affected by air pollution, which can cause inflammation and irritation of the airways. Exposure to air pollution can lead to respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, and it can be particularly harmful to people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

• Allergens: Bronchioles can be affected by allergens, which are substances that can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Allergens can cause inflammation and irritation of the airways, leading to respiratory problems such as coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.

• Respiratory infections: Bronchioles can be affected by respiratory infections, such as the common cold or the flu, which can cause inflammation and irritation of the airways. Respiratory infections can lead to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing, and they can be more severe in people with underlying respiratory conditions.