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Histologic details of the bronchi (400X)

Microimage
histologic details of the bronchus. Image copyright: University of Oslo, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. (Tissue stain: H+E).

At this magnification, you now have the opportunity to study the histologic details of the bronchi (except cartilage)

  1. The inner lining of bronchi is typically composed of ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium, which contains goblet cells that secrete mucus.

  2. Goblet cells are scattered throughout the epithelium and produce mucus, contributing to the mucociliary clearance mechanism that helps trap and remove inhaled particles.

  3. Bronchi have a layer of smooth muscle in their walls, allowing them to constrict or dilate in response to autonomic nervous system signals, thereby regulating the airflow.

  4. Seromucous glands are present in the submucosa of bronchi and contribute additional mucus secretion to aid in airway protection.

These histologic features collectively contribute to the function of the bronchi in conducting air and facilitating the conditioning of inhaled air before it reaches the smaller airways and alveoli in the lungs.