canalicular stage of lung development

can·a·lic·u·lar stage of lung de·ve·lop·ment

(kan-ă-lik'yŭ-la˘r stāj lŭng dĕ-vel'ŏp-mĕnt) The period (16-26 weeks) when lumina of the bronchi and terminal bronchioles enlarge and the lung tissue becomes highly vascular; respiration is possible at the end of this period because some thin-walled terminal saccules have developed at the ends of the respiratory bronchioles. A fetus born at the end of this period may survive if it receives intensive care.