Histology of the alveoli Flashcards
1
Q
What cells do alveoli consist of?
A
Type 1 and type 2 pneumocytes lie on the basement membrane and alveolar macrophages.
2
Q
What is abundant in the alveolar wall?
A
Elastin
3
Q
Describe type I pneumocytes
A
very thin and flat cells with flattened nuclei joined by tight junctions
4
Q
Describe type II pneumocytes
A
These release surfactant. Rounded in shape and contain mitochondria
5
Q
What does surfactant do?
A
Reduces surface tension to allow the alveoli to expant and not collapse during expiration
6
Q
Which type of pneumocyte acts as a precursor stem cell for the other?
A
Type II can become type I
7
Q
A
