8 Questions
What is the main function of the conducting portion of the respiratory system?
Provide a conduit and condition the inspired air
What is the name of the cells that contain numerous microvilli and are thought to be sensory receptors?
Brush cells
What is the primary function of the respiratory epithelium?
To provide a barrier against external pathogens
What is the name of the layer of loose connective tissue that lies beneath the respiratory epithelium?
Lamina propria
What is the main component of the tracheal wall?
Hyaline cartilage
What type of cells are thought to be generative stem cells?
Basal cells
What is the function of the small granule cells?
To constitute a diffuse neuroendocrine system
What is the name of the cells that contain mucus droplets in their apical portion?
Goblet cells
Study Notes
Respiratory System
- The respiratory system consists of the lungs and a system of tubes that link the sites of gas exchange with the external environment.
Components of the Respiratory System
- Conducting portion: a combination of cartilage, elastic and collagen fibers, and smooth muscle cells, lined by respiratory epithelium, providing a conduit and conditioning inspired air.
Respiratory Epithelium
- Consists of 5 cell types:
- Ciliated columnar cells: most abundant type
- Goblet cells: next most abundant, containing mucus droplets (glycoproteins) in apical portion
- Brush cells: remaining columnar cells containing numerous microvilli, potentially sensory receptors
- Basal cells: small, rounded, generative stem cells
- Small granule cells: numerous granules, constituting a diffuse neuroendocrine system, with afferent nerve fibers
Respiratory Mucosa
- Consists of respiratory epithelium and lamina propria: a layer of loose connective tissue with mucous and serous glands, and a rich vascular network
Trachea and Primary Bronchi
- General structure: 16-20 cartilage in the wall, fibrous tissue, and a C-shaped mass of hyaline cartilage
- Wall of the trachea:
- Mucosa: epithelium (respiratory epithelium) and lamina propria (collagenous and elastic fibers)
- Submucosa: rich immune cells and seromucous glands
Learn about the components of the respiratory system, including the lungs and tubes, and their functions in gas exchange and air conditioning.
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