This document provides an overview of the histology of the respiratory system. It describes the major components, including the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. For each component, it discusses the epithelial lining, underlying tissues like cartilage and smooth muscle, and histological structures. It emphasizes how the epithelial tissues and supporting structures change along the respiratory tract to condition air and facilitate gas exchange at the alveolar-capillary membrane. Diagrams and photomicrographs are included to illustrate histological features. The goal is to understand the microscopic anatomy and how it enables the functions of the respiratory system.
3. Objectives
Components
Functions of each component
Structural features (describe and draw) of
components including structure-function
relationship
Identify (LM)
Physiological aspect
Clinical
12. Nasal cavity
Cartilages, bones, mucous membrane
Chonchae (increase surface area and
turbulent airflow increase contact
between air and MM)
Hairs (vibrissae) (trap large particles)
23. Principal / primary / main bronchi -
histology
Epithelium similar to trachea (goblet cells )
Cartilages interconnected plates
Smooth muscles beneath the LP
Submucosa seromucous glands
24. Bronchi - histology
Diameter decreases
Epithelium similar to trachea
Shape and arrangement of the cartilage and
smooth muscle are different
With decrease of DM Cartilage ring become
irregular isolated plates
Smooth muscles in the LP are spirally arranged
Lymphocytes & lymphoid aggregations in the LP
25. Segmental / Tertiary bronchi
Epithelium less stratified, less goblet
cells
Smooth muscles prominent in the LP
Less submucosa and seromucous
glands
Few isolated cartilage plates
32. Respiratory bronchiloes
Sac like alveoli along the wall
Epithelium ciliated cuboidal
No goblet cells, Clara cells present
No cartilage
Little smooth muscle in the LP
No submucosa
33. Alveolar duct and alveoli
Exchange of gas
Epithelium simple squamous
Elastic and reticulin fibers elastic recoil & prevent
over expansion
Smooth muscles only at the openings of alveloar
ducts
Cigarette smoking break down alveolar tissue and
impair repair of tissue - emphysema
34. Alveolar duct and alveoli
Cells become very thin for gas
exchange
Several cell types
Squamous alveolar cells (Type I) 97 %
Desmosomes & tight junctions present -
prevent leakage of tissue fluid
35. Alveolar duct and alveoli
Surfactant secreting cells (Type II) 3 % -
reduce surface tension
Round cells
Can proliferate & produce new type I & II cells
Respiratory distress syndrome Immature baby
37. Alveolar duct and alveoli
Alveolar macrophages interalveolar septum,
surface of alveoli
http://www.lab.anhb.uwa.edu.au
38. Alveoli and blood-gas barrier
Epithelium of alveoli & capillaries become
very thin
Basement membrane of two epithelia fused each
other thin barrier