Histology Flashcards
What is respiratory epithelium?
Pseudostratified columnar, ciliated with columnar cells
What is the function of goblet cells?
Produce mucus
What is the function of cilia?
Move the mucus and any trapped pathogens towards the pharynx
Where does respiratory epithelium line?
Most of the nasal cavity
Larynx (except vocal cords)
Trachea
Bronchi
What type of epithelium are the vocal cords covered in?
Stratified squamous
In what way is the epithelium of the bronchioles different to respiratory epithelium?
Bronchial epithelium is essentially cuboidal and has few goblet cells
Where is cartilage present in the respiratory tract?
From the larynx to the bronchi, but not the bronchioles and alveoli
What is the structure of the walls of the large airways, from inside out?
Pseudostratified epithelium
Lamina propria of connective tissue
Smooth muscle
Submucosa of connective tissue
What are the terminal bronchioles?
The smallest bronchioles without gas exchange
What is the structure of terminal bronchioles?
Cuboidal epithelium containing club cells
What are club cells?
Cells that act as stem cells, but also produce surfactant, have detoxifying enzymes and immune function
What are type 1 alveolar cells lined by?
Simple squamous epithelium
What is the function of type 1 alveolar cells (pneumocytes)?
Gas exchange
What is the function of type 2 alveolar cells?
Production of surfactant that prevents alveolar collapse
What is the air blood barrier composed of?
Type 1 alveolar cells and the simple squamous epithelium lining the capillaries - so 2 simple squamous epithelial cells with a basal lamina in between
