Clara cells are unique to bronchioles, they do secrete substance similar to that of surfactant,but their function is to protect the bronchioles.....further they trap toxins that enter the lungs..... so scant clara cells in a patient, mkes the patient
susceptible to lung infection ,so the answer is c .....as decrease in clara cells wont directly cause resp infection .... ffurther type 2 alveolar cells produce surfactant, hnce surfacctant production wont be affected on further concept regarding surfactant consult this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lung_surfactant
Actually function of clara cells as neutralizing toxin is also given in FA, but whats the basic function of this cells. What if question like this comes in exam, my first click will be Surfactant formation.
surfactant shouldnt b the 1st click as its manufactured by type 2 alveolar cells ,further clara cells synthesise substnce similar 2 surfactant .....c the link i mentioned above
Clara cells are non-ciliated, secretory constituents of the terminal respiratory epithelium. They secrete clara cell secretory protein (CCSP), which inhibits neutrophil recruitment and activation as well as neutrophil-dependent mucin production. They may also be a source of apoproteins associated with surfactant and/or precursors of mucin-producing goblet cells.
Type I cells (97% of alveolar surfaces) line the alveoli. These are end-differentiated squamous cells; thin for optimal gas diffusion.
The interspersed cuboidal type II pneumocytes are the source of pulmonary surfactant and are also the main cell type responsible for replacing the alveolar epithelium after alveolar injury. Type II pneumocytes are unique in their ability to proliferate in response to injury.
so the answer is c.
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