Respiratory Epithelium - Anatomy & Physiology
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Introduction
Respiratory epithelium is a type of epithelium which lines both the upper and lower respiratory tracts.
It consists of multiple layers of cylindrical epithelium, along with cilia and goblet cells.
Function
The many cilia present on the surface of the cells of respiratory epithelium, along with the mucus producing goblet cells, are the functional units for the Mucociliary escalator:
- Cilia on the respiratory epithelium beat in a co-ordinated manner
- Cilia beat in a caudal direction in nasal cavity
- Cilia beat in a cranial direction in trachea and lower airways
- Mucus is swallowed when it reaches the nasopharynx
- Constant movement reduces chances that pathogens can adhere to the respiratory epithelium