Microscopic Structure of the Lung II - Block 1.3

Cells responsible for producing elastin and reticular fibers, essential for the structural integrity of tissues.

Specialized cells that play a crucial role in the immune system, recognizing and eliminating foreign invaders.

Cells responsible for engulfing and digesting foreign particles, debris, and pathogens.

The process by which macrophages engulf and destroy harmful substances.

Macrophages located within the walls of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs, are crucial for removing inhaled particulate matter and pathogens.

A specialized type of capillary found within the walls of the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs. They play a vital role in gas exchange, allowing for the efficient movement of oxygen into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide out of the bloodstream.

A type of capillary that is thin-walled and has a large surface area.

A type of capillary involved in the exchange of gases between the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) and the bloodstream.

The process of exchanging gases between the air in the lungs and the blood, where oxygen enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide exits.

The thin wall that separates the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs.

A process where macrophages engulf and digest red blood cells (RBCs) that have been released due to the pressure in capillaries.

The process of macrophages helping maintain the balance of surfactant, a substance that reduces surface tension in the lungs.

Macrophages can be identified under a light microscope by their large size, irregular shape, and often granular appearance.

A substance that reduces the surface tension of fluids, like in the lungs, preventing them from sticking together.

Type 1 pneumocytes are thin and flat cells that make up the majority of the alveolar wall. They are responsible for gas exchange by providing a large surface area for diffusion. They are highly permeable to gases.

Type 2 pneumocytes are smaller and cuboidal cells that produce and secrete surfactant. Surfactant helps to reduce surface tension in the alveoli, preventing them from collapsing.

Pinocytosis is a process by which cells take in fluids and small particles by enveloping them in their cell membrane and forming small vesicles.

Type 1 pneumocytes, along with type 2 pneumocytes, have pinocytotic vesicles that help to transport fluids into the interstitial side of the alveoli. This includes surfactant and any abnormal fluids.

Type 2 pneumocytes are responsible for the turnover of alveolar surfactant. They are constantly producing and secreting surfactant to maintain its proper concentration in the alveoli.

The process of the body replacing old surfactant with new surfactant.

Cells responsible for producing and releasing surfactant.

Immature lungs lacking sufficient surfactant can collapse, making it difficult to breathe.

A steroid medication used to accelerate lung maturation in premature infants. It stimulates the production of surfactant.

A thin membrane, 0.1-1.5 micrometers thick, that separates air in the alveoli from blood in the capillaries, facilitating gas exchange. It consists of the alveolar epithelium (type 1), fused basal laminae of the capillary endothelium and alveoli, and the capillary endothelium.

A type of capillary found in the lungs, with continuous walls and no gaps, allowing for efficient gas exchange.

The primary cell type lining the alveoli (95%), responsible for gas exchange due to its thin, squamous shape.

A type of cell in the alveolar epithelium that does NOT participate in gas exchange. It plays a role in surfactant production and repair of the alveolar epithelium.

Specialized cell junctions that provide strong attachment between alveolar cells, essential for maintaining the integrity of the alveolar epithelium during breathing.

Cell junctions that create a tight seal between alveolar cells, preventing leakage into the interstitial space and maintaining the integrity of the blood-air barrier.

The combined thickness of all layers of the respiratory membrane, averaging 0.1-1.5 micrometers.

The primary function of the lungs, involving the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the capillaries.