lecture 4 - respiratory histology Flashcards
What is the type of epithelium found in the ‘conducting’ parts of the respiratory system?
Respiratory epithelium - Pseudo-stratified ciliated columnar epithelium
What type of epithelium is found in the vestibule of the nose?
Stratified squamous epithelium
What are the 3 main cell types found in the olfactory epithelium?
Olfactory cells (receptor neurons), Supporting cells, Basal cells
Where is the olfactory epithelium located?
The cribriform plate
What is the function of supporting cells in the olfactory epithelium?
They sit on either side of the olfactory cells and help to make up the epithelium
What is the function of basal cells in the olfactory epithelium?
Act as stem cells and can differentiate into supporting or olfactory cells
What structures are found in the lamina propria below the olfactory epithelium?
Axons of olfactory cells/neurons, Serous glands secreting mucus, blood vessels
What is the name for the thin projections coming from the olfactory receptor cells in the olfactory epithelium?
Olfactory hairs
What are the cell types found in the respiratory epithelium?
Ciliated cells, goblet cells, basal cells
What is the function of the venous plexuses found in the lamina propria of the respiratory epithelium?
Warm the inspired air
Does the trachea lie anterior or posterior to the oesophagus?
Anterior! don’t forget
What 2 structures maintain the patency of the trachea?
C-shaped cartilage rings, trachealis muscle
What joins the ends of the cartilage ring of the trachea?
Trachealis muscle
Which surface of the trachea is covered by the trachealis muscle?
Posterior (between the trachea and oeosophagus
What type of epithelium lines the trachea?
Respiratory - pseudostratified ciliated columnar
What type of cartilage is found in the trachea?
Hyaline cartilage
What is the function of the trachealis muscle?
To reduce the diameter of the trachea and therefore assist in coughing
What is MALT in the airways?
Mucosa associated lymphatic tissue
What muscles are found in the bronchi?
Smooth muscle fibres arranged spirally
What cartilage is found in the bronchi?
Rings in primary bronchus, but hyaline plates in smaller bronchi
Where do mucous glands cease in the airways?
At the bronchioles
What happens to the size of the epithelial cells as you go further down the respiratory tree?
They reduce in size and get flatter (columnar -> cuboidal -> squamous)
Where are Clara Cells found?
Terminal and respiratory bronchioles
What are the functions of clara cells?
To secrete surfactant-like lipoproteins, act as stem cells, and detoxification/immune defence
