[MT] respiratory epithelium cell types

Tall, columnar cells with motile cilia on their apical surface

Ciliated Columnar Cells

Facilitate mucociliary clearance by moving mucus and trapped particles towards the pharynx

Ciliated Columnar Cells

Most abundant cell type in the pseudostratified columnar epithelium

Ciliated Columnar Cells

Mucus-secreting, columnar-shaped cells with abundant mucin granules

Goblet Cells

Secrete mucus to trap inhaled particles and humidify inhaled air

Goblet Cells

Interspersed between ciliated cells; more abundant in the upper airways

Goblet Cells

Small, triangular or cuboidal stem cells located at the basal layer

Basal Cells

Act as progenitor (stem) cells for regeneration and repair of the respiratory epithelium

Basal Cells

Located at the basal layer of the respiratory epithelium

Basal Cells

Columnar cells with microvilli; fewer in number

Brush Cells

Possibly involved in sensory functions; function not fully understood

Brush Cells

Scattered throughout the epithelium; more common in larger airways

Brush Cells

Small, round cells with dense-core granules; part of the diffuse neuroendocrine system (DNES)

Small Granule Cells (Kulchitsky Cells)

Secrete hormones and neuropeptides that regulate local airway function and immune response

Small Granule Cells (Kulchitsky Cells)

Scattered among basal cells, often near nerve endings

Small Granule Cells (Kulchitsky Cells)