Final answer:
The bronchial arteries are systemic branches from the thoracic aorta that provide oxygenated blood to the lung tissue and visceral pleura.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bronchial arteries are a systemic branch from the aorta responsible for delivering oxygenated blood to the lung tissue, which is additional to the pulmonary circuit. Specifically, the bronchial arteries arise from the thoracic aorta; typically, there are two on the left and one on the right.
These arteries provide the necessary nutrients and oxygen to the lung tissue, following the same path as the bronchi down to the bronchioles. This system is crucial for lung function as it supplies systemic blood to the lungs and visceral pleura, complementing the oxygenation process carried out via the pulmonary circuit.