Airway epithelial cells

(noun)

Airway epithelial cells can secrete a variety of molecules that aid in the immune system defense of lungs. 

Related Terms

  • ACE
  • syrinx
  • surfactant

Examples of Airway epithelial cells in the following topics:

  • Types of Epithelial Tissue

    • Epithelial tissue is classified by cell shape and the number of cell layers.
    • For example, simple squamous epithelial tissue describes a single layer of cells that are flat and scale-like in shape.
    • Simple epithelial tissues are generally classified by the shape of their cells.
    • Ciliated epithelium is found in the airways (nose, bronchi), but is also found in the uterus and fallopian tubes of females, where the cilia propel the ovum to the uterus.
    • There are three principal classifications associated with epithelial cells.
  • Cytokine Therapy

    • Virtually all nucleated cells, but especially endo/epithelial cells and resident macrophages (many near the interface with the external environment) are potent producers of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α.
    • Airway epithelium has complex structure: consists of at least seven diverse cell types interacting with each other by means of tight junctions.
    • Moreover, epithelial calls can deliver the signals into the underlying tissues taking part in the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immune defence.
    • Once pathogenic bacterium (e.g., S. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa) has activated particular pattern recognition receptors on/in epithelial cells, the proinflammatory signaling pathways are activated.
    • These cytokines induce the chemotaxis to the site of infection in its target cells (e.g., neutrophils, dendritic cells and macrophages).
  • Characteristics of Epithelial Tissue

    • Epithelial tissue is composed of cells laid out in sheets with strong cell-to-cell attachments.
    • The epithelial cells are nourished by substances diffusing from blood vessels in the underlying connective tissue.
    • One side of the epithelial cell is oriented towards the surface of the tissue, body cavity, or external environment and the other surface is joined to a basement membrane.
    • Epithelial tissues are identified by both the number of layers and the shape of the cells in the upper layers.
    • Epithelial tissue is classified based on the number of cells, the shape of those cells, and the types of those cells.
  • Nonrespiratory Air Movements

    • ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) is an enzyme secreted by the endothelial cells of the capillaries in the lungs. 
    • The epithelial cells and macrophages of the lungs secrete many molecules that have immune system functions.
    • They are used to kill pathogens after being engulfed (phagocytized) by immune cells.
    • Anti-microbial peptides: Various chemokines and proteins that are secreted by the mucus membranes of the airways.
    • Other mechanical functions include sneezing and coughing, which protect the lungs and airways from irritants that could potentially cause damage.
  • Epithelial Tissues

    • Cuboidal epithelial cells are cube-shaped with a single, central nucleus .
    • Columnar epithelial cells are taller than they are wide: they resemble a stack of columns in an epithelial layer.
    • The nuclei of columnar epithelial cells in the digestive tract appear to be lined up at the base of the cells .
    • Columnar epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract appear to be stratified.
    • Simple columnar epithelial cells absorb material from the digestive tract.
  • Lung Cancer

    • Most cancers that start in lung, known as primary lung cancers, are carcinomas that derive from epithelial cells.
    • The main types of lung cancer are small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), also called oat cell cancer, and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).
    • There are three main sub-types: squamous cell lung carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell lung carcinoma.
    • Adenocarcinoma accounts for 40% of non-small cell lung cancers.
    • Most cases arise in the larger airways (primary and secondary bronchi).
  • Cystic Fibrosis

    • CFTR regulates the movement of chloride and sodium ions across epithelial membranes, such as the alveolar epithelia located in the lungs.
    • Lung disease develops in CF as a result of clogging of the airways due to mucus build-up, decreased mucociliary clearance, and resulting inflammation.
    • In later stages, changes in the architecture of the lung, such as pathology in the major airways (bronchiectasis), further exacerbate difficulties in breathing.
    • Ideally, gene therapy attempts to place a normal copy of the CFTR gene into affected cells.
    • Transferring the normal CFTR gene into the affected epithelium cells would result in the production of functional CFTR in all target cells, without adverse reactions or an inflammation response.
  • Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation: Surface Tension of Alveolar Fluid

    • The force of surface tension in the lungs is so great that without something to reduce the surface tension, the airways would collapse after exhalation, making re-inflation during inhalation much more difficult and less effective.
    • Fortunately, the type II epithelial cells of the alveoli continually secrete a molecule called surfactant that solves this problem.
    • Therefore prematurely born infants are at a high risk of respiratory distress syndrome from airway collapse, which can cause death if untreated.
  • Intercellular Junctions

    • Plasmodesmata are numerous channels that pass between cell walls of adjacent plant cells and connect their cytoplasm; thereby, enabling materials to be transported from cell to cell, and thus throughout the plant .
    • These junctions are typically found in epithelial tissues that line internal organs and cavities and comprise most of the skin.
    • For example, the tight junctions of the epithelial cells lining your urinary bladder prevent urine from leaking out into the extracellular space.
    • Desmosomes act like spot welds between adjacent epithelial cells, connecting them .
    • A plasmodesma is a channel between the cell walls of two adjacent plant cells.
  • Glandular Epithelia

    • Epithelial tissues line the cavities and surfaces of structures throughout the body, and also form many glands.
    • Functions of epithelial cells include secretion, selective absorption, protection, transcellular transport, and detection of sensation.
    • Exocrine and endocrine epithelial cells are highly vascular.
    • Secretion is one major function of epithelial cells .
    • Glands are formed from the invagination / infolding of epithelial cells and subsequent growth in the underlying connective tissue.
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