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respiratory tree cilia

1K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  Nodo 
#1 ·
Where are cilia located? FA states that pseudostratified ciliated columnar cells extend to beginning of terminal bronchioles. However, it also states that cilia terminate in respiratory bronchioles. Are cilia located from trachea to respiratory bronchioles in respiratory zone? Thanks.
 
#2 ·
Respiratory epithelium and ciliated cells are two different things. Respiratory epithelium (which is ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium) extends from below the vocal cords up to the primary bronchioles (not including the vocal cords or the primary bronchioles). However, primary bronchioles still possess ciliated cells. The lining in primary bronchioles is either ciliated columnar or ciliated cuboidal depending on the diameter of the airway. Terminal and respiratory bronchioles also contain some ciliated cells.

The most distal part of the respiratory system where we see cilia are the respiratory bronchioles. The most distal part of the respiratory system where we see respiratory epithelium are the interpulmonary bronchi.

Hope that clears things up.
 
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