Histology of the Lung in Health and Disease Flashcards
Describe trachea
C shaped rings of hyaline cartilage
What are chondrocytes
A cell which has secreted the matrix of cartilage and become embedded in it
What are chondroblasts
Mesenchymal progenitor cells in situ which (from endochondral ossification) will form chondrocytes in the growing cartilage matrix
What is the perichondrium
The connective tissue that envelops cartilage where it is not a joint
What are the gaps between the rings of cartilage in the trachea filled by
The trachealis muscle- a bundle of smooth muscle and fibroelastic tissue
Describe the muscle in the bronchus
Bronchus has a continuous ring of bronchial smooth muscle
Describe a bronchiole
No cartilage, contains Clara cells which secrete a component of surfactant
Describe pulmonary vessels
Thin walled to facilitate gas exchange
Describe bronchial vessels
Thicker walled as arterial supply not needed for gas exchange
What cells secrete surfactant
Type II pnuemocytes (alveolar) cells
Describe an asthmatic lung
Inner lumen is much smaller, hypertrophy of tissue and oedema, potentially increase in inflammation, hypertrophy of mucus glands, thickened basement membrane
Describe a lung with emphysema
Increase in alveolar size and therefore a decrease in surface area and gas exchange is less efficient
Describe a lung with pulmonary fibrosis
In pulmonary fibrosis inhaled particulates are phagocytosed resulting in fibrosis
Describe a lung with pulmonary hypertension
Hypertrophy of pulmonary blood vessels
Describe how nanoparticles can indirectly damage airways
Trigger cell signalling cascade, apoptosis occurs, disturbed arrangement of epithelium resulting in impaired function and mucus accumulation.
