6 Questions
What is the main function of the cilia on ciliated cells in the nasal mucosa?
To beat in a coordinated manner to move mucin upward and outward
What is the main characteristic of the olfactory region of the nasal mucosa?
Non-ciliated columnar epithelium
What is the rate of mucociliary clearance in the nasal mucosa?
1-2 mm/min
What is the effect of allergic rhinitis on goblet cells in the nasal mucosa?
Increased number and mucin production
What is the primary function of the basal cells in the nasal mucosa?
To provide a reserve for ciliated cells
What is the effect of cystic fibrosis on mucociliary clearance in the nasal mucosa?
Impaired mucociliary clearance
Study Notes
Nasal Mucosa
Structure
- Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
- Basal cells: small, cuboidal, and mitotically active
- Ciliated cells: tall, columnar, and ciliated at the apical surface
- Goblet cells: mucin-producing, scattered among ciliated cells
- Brush cells: rare, microvilli-covered cells, possibly involved in sensory function
Functions
- Warms and humidifies inspired air
- Filters out dust, bacteria, and other particles
- Traps and removes foreign substances through mucociliary clearance
- Regulates airflow and pressure
Mucociliary Clearance
- Mucin produced by goblet cells and submucosal glands
- Cilia on ciliated cells beat in a coordinated manner to move mucin upward and outward
- Mucociliary clearance rate: 1-2 mm/min
Regional Variations
- Respiratory region: pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, more ciliated cells and fewer goblet cells
- Olfactory region: non-ciliated columnar epithelium, specialized for olfaction
Clinical Correlations
- Allergic rhinitis: increased goblet cell number and mucin production
- Cystic fibrosis: impaired mucociliary clearance due to abnormal mucin composition
- Chronic rhinosinusitis: inflammation and hyperplasia of nasal mucosa
Nasal Mucosa Structure
- Nasal mucosa is composed of pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
- Basal cells are small, cuboidal, and mitotically active
- Ciliated cells are tall, columnar, and ciliated at the apical surface
- Goblet cells are mucin-producing and scattered among ciliated cells
- Brush cells are rare, microvilli-covered cells possibly involved in sensory function
Nasal Mucosa Functions
- Nasal mucosa warms and humidifies inspired air
- It filters out dust, bacteria, and other particles
- It traps and removes foreign substances through mucociliary clearance
- It regulates airflow and pressure
Mucociliary Clearance
- Mucin is produced by goblet cells and submucosal glands
- Cilia on ciliated cells beat in a coordinated manner to move mucin upward and outward
- Mucociliary clearance rate is 1-2 mm/min
Regional Variations
Respiratory Region
- Characterized by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
- Has more ciliated cells and fewer goblet cells
Olfactory Region
- Characterized by non-ciliated columnar epithelium
- Specialized for olfaction
Clinical Correlations
- Allergic rhinitis is associated with increased goblet cell number and mucin production
- Cystic fibrosis is associated with impaired mucociliary clearance due to abnormal mucin composition
- Chronic rhinosinusitis is associated with inflammation and hyperplasia of nasal mucosa
Learn about the structure and functions of nasal mucosa, including its pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium and important roles in warming and humidifying air, filtering out particles, and removing foreign substances.
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