Final answer:
The condition where the bronchi of the lungs are dilated outward is known as bronchiectasis. It is a separate condition from asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema, each affecting the respiratory system with distinct symptoms and causes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition where the bronchi of the lungs are dilated outward is bronchiectasis (option a). It is not to be confused with asthma, bronchitis, bronchopneumonia, or conditions like emphysema and pulmonary edema. These terms refer to various diseases and states that affect the respiratory system in different ways, typically featuring inflammation, infection, and obstructive symptoms. For instance, asthma is characterized by inflamed and narrow airways, potentially leading to bronchospasms and excess mucus, while bronchitis involves the inflammation of the bronchi, generally accompanied by a cough and phlegm. Emphysema, often resulting from smoking, implies the destruction of alveolar walls and reduced gas exchange.