Final answer:
Bronchial arteries are systemic branches from the aorta that provide oxygenated blood to the lung tissues, supporting their metabolic activities and health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bronchial arteries are systemic branches from the aorta that provide oxygenated blood to the lungs beyond the primary function of the pulmonary circulation system. Unlike the pulmonary arteries, which carry deoxygenated blood to the alveoli for gas exchange, the bronchial arteries supply the lung tissues themselves with oxygenated blood necessary for the lung's metabolic activities and health. The bronchial arteries follow the bronchial tree, which is a collective term used for the multiple-branched bronchi and bronchioles of the respiratory system.