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| Yves Clermont, Michael Lalli, Zsuzsanna Bencsath-Makkai |
LIGHT-MICROSCOPIC HISTOLOGY ATLAS
Version française
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10. Respiratory System |
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| | The present chapter includes histological descriptions of the "conducting parts" of the respiratory system (i.e., the nasal cavity, larynx, trachea, bronchi and bronchioles) and the "respiratory part" of the system (i.e., the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts and alveoli). The main function of the lung – the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between red blood cells and inspired air – takes place mainly in the walls of the alveoli. The delicate structure of the alveoli will retain our attention at the end of this chapter (see figures 10.21 to 10.29). In the nasal cavity, the olfactory mucosa, which includes sensory neurons, will first be examined. The rest of the nasal mucosa is lined with an epithelium similar to that of the other segments of the conducting ducts (e.g., the trachea). Their epithelium is composed of ciliated cells and mucus-secreting goblet cells. Underlying this protective epithelium is a variety of supportive connective tissue elements (e.g., bone in the nasal cavity, cartilage, collagen and elastic fibres) and accompanying cells. There is also an appreciable number of smooth muscle fibres, especially in the smaller ducts (e.g., the bronchi and bronchioles). These smooth muscle fibres, together with the striated muscles of the pharynx, larynx, thoracic cage and abdominal diaphragm, contribute to the ventilation of the lung. |
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HAweb/Zs B-M -> HAbase-generated on 2013-09-13
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