Final answer:
Rhonchi are abnormal breath sounds indicating blockages in the larger airways of the lungs, associated with conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rhonchi, which is the plural form, with the singular being rhonchus, refers to an abnormal breath sound that can be heard while auscultating a patient's lungs with a stethoscope. These sounds are often described as low-pitched wheezes or rattling and are typically caused by blockages or secretions within the larger airways of the lungs such as the bronchi. The bronchi are part of the respiratory system; they are tubes that branch off the trachea and carry air directly to the alveoli where gas exchange occurs. When someone experiences rhonchi, it usually suggests the presence of conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or COPD, where mucus or other substances can cause partial obstruction of the airways.