An examination of the wall of the airways in the bronchial tree from bronchi to alveoli would reveal that cartilage decreases in quantity and disappears, while the amount of smooth muscle increases.

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As the airways in the bronchial tree branch from the larger bronchi to the smaller bronchioles and finally to the alveoli, the structure of the walls changes. Cartilage, which provides structure and keeps the larger airways open, decreases in quantity and eventually disappears in the smaller bronchioles. Conversely, the amount of smooth muscle increases, allowing for greater control over airway constriction and dilation.

An Examination of the Wall of the Airways in the Bronchial