Acontraction of the smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles that tighten and squeeze the airway shut is known as a/an

Bronchospasm

Explanation:

Bronchospasm is known to be a condition that results from the contraction of the muscles that is found in the wall of the bronchioles which result into obstruction and narrowing of the respiratory airway. Thus, substance released from basophils or mast cell under the control of anaphylatoxin usually causes Bronchospasm. Furthermore, Bronchospasm is commonly caused by asthma and can also be caused by allergic reactions, respiratory infection, and chronic lung diseases.