During a bronchoscopy, which structure is accessed?

During a bronchoscopy, the primary structure that is accessed is the trachea and bronchi. This procedure involves the insertion of a bronchoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera and light, through the nose or mouth and into the airways. The main purpose of bronchoscopy is to visualize the interior of the trachea and bronchi, allowing healthcare providers to diagnose and potentially treat conditions affecting the lungs and airways, such as infections, tumors, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The other options refer to entirely different anatomical systems and procedures. The heart and arteries pertain to cardiovascular procedures and their access usually involves cardiac catheterization. The uterus and fibroids relate to gynecological examinations or procedures, while the joints and synovial fluid refer to musculoskeletal examinations or aspirations. Therefore, only the option regarding the trachea and bronchi is relevant to bronchoscopy.