Trachea and primary bronchus
An electron micrograph shows the surface of the respiratory epithelium. The expanded upper portion of a goblet cell is visible along with the ciliated epithelial cells. Goblet cells release mucus onto the surface where it traps inhaled particulate matter. Rhythmic beating of the cilia move the layer of mucus upwards, to be swallowed or coughed out. This mechanism is often referred to as the “muco-ciliary escalator”. 8000x
Goblet cell
An electron micrograph shows the surface of the respiratory epithelium. The expanded upper portion of a goblet cell is visible along with the ciliated epithelial cells. Goblet cells release mucus onto the surface where it traps inhaled particulate matter. Rhythmic beating of the cilia move the layer of mucus upwards, to be swallowed or coughed out. This mechanism is often referred to as the “muco-ciliary escalator”. 8000x
- Mucin granules
An electron micrograph shows the surface of the respiratory epithelium. The expanded upper portion of a goblet cell is visible along with the ciliated epithelial cells. Goblet cells release mucus onto the surface where it traps inhaled particulate matter. Rhythmic beating of the cilia move the layer of mucus upwards, to be swallowed or coughed out. This mechanism is often referred to as the “muco-ciliary escalator”. 8000x
- Mucus
An electron micrograph shows the surface of the respiratory epithelium. The expanded upper portion of a goblet cell is visible along with the ciliated epithelial cells. Goblet cells release mucus onto the surface where it traps inhaled particulate matter. Rhythmic beating of the cilia move the layer of mucus upwards, to be swallowed or coughed out. This mechanism is often referred to as the “muco-ciliary escalator”. 8000x
Ciliated cells
An electron micrograph shows the surface of the respiratory epithelium. The expanded upper portion of a goblet cell is visible along with the ciliated epithelial cells. Goblet cells release mucus onto the surface where it traps inhaled particulate matter. Rhythmic beating of the cilia move the layer of mucus upwards, to be swallowed or coughed out. This mechanism is often referred to as the “muco-ciliary escalator”. 8000x
- Cilia
An electron micrograph shows the surface of the respiratory epithelium. The expanded upper portion of a goblet cell is visible along with the ciliated epithelial cells. Goblet cells release mucus onto the surface where it traps inhaled particulate matter. Rhythmic beating of the cilia move the layer of mucus upwards, to be swallowed or coughed out. This mechanism is often referred to as the “muco-ciliary escalator”. 8000x
- Basal bodies
An electron micrograph shows the surface of the respiratory epithelium. The expanded upper portion of a goblet cell is visible along with the ciliated epithelial cells. Goblet cells release mucus onto the surface where it traps inhaled particulate matter. Rhythmic beating of the cilia move the layer of mucus upwards, to be swallowed or coughed out. This mechanism is often referred to as the “muco-ciliary escalator”. 8000x