bronch – important prefix relating to types of air passages in the lungs e.g. bronchus, bronchiole

(Pronounced bronk)

To remember the meaning of bronch, use the following mnemonic:

The bucking bronco (bronch) left both lungs gasping for air.

The prefix 'bronch' is essential to remember, as it relates to key air passageways to and in the lungs. The bronchus (plural bronchi) is the main air passage that branches off from the trachea (windpipe) and carries air in and out of the lungs as part of the respiratory system. The trachea divides into two primary bronchi- the left and right main bronchi- which enter each lung and continue to branch into smaller and smaller tubes called secondary and tertiary bronchi, eventually leading to even smaller bronchioles. 

It is the bronchioles which lead to the tiny alveoli, tiny air sacs in which gas exchange takes place and carbon dioxide and oxygen are exchanged with the bloodstream.