Ciliated Epithelium

What Is Ciliated Epithelium?

Ciliated epithelium is a class of epithelial tissue. Ciliated epithelium is distinguished by the presence of cilia on its surface. Cilia are hair-like projections responsible for monitoring the flow of substances along the epithelial surface. The main functions of the ciliated epithelium are that it is associated with physiological activities such as: in the respiratory system, where it is applied to the movement of mucus and other debris from airways and, in the reproductive system, where they are of great benefit in moving the eggs along the oviducts of fallopian tubes.

There are two generic types of ciliated epithelium: simple ciliated epithelium, found in the bronchi and the oviducts of the fallopian tubes; and pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, found in the trachea and the upper respiratory tract. These vital epithelia ensure that passageways in the body are kept clean and that cells and other particles are propelled so that organs can perform their functions.

Structure Of Ciliated Epithelium

The structure of ciliated epithelium is described below-

Cell Types

The details are given below:

Columnar Cells

These are tall columnar cells that form the bulk of ciliated epithelium. They are centrally nucleated, they usually give rise to structural support in addition to nutrient absorption.

Goblet Cells

These are the mucus-secreting cells interspersed in the columnar epithelium. Together with the columnar cells, they ensure that most of the foreign bodies that enter the respiratory tree are trapped in mucus so that the body is protected from damage.

Cilia

9+2 structure of microtubules: The central component of each cilium is a tuft of microtubules;

It is arranged in a typical 9+2 pattern: nine microtubule pairs enclose two central microtubules, which is a structural basis for functionality.

Beating pattern and movement:

The cilia beat to create a wave and therefore move mucus and trapped particles out of the respiratory system, or assist in the movement of the ova in the reproductive system. The function of the cilia is powered by ATP, which therefore allows oscillation to take place in a whip-like manner.

Types Of Ciliated Epithelium

The types of ciliated epithelium are described below-

Simple Ciliated Columnar Epithelium

Location

The respiratory tract and uterine tubes play enormous roles in moving mucus and other substances passing through this type of epithelium.

Functions

It clears the lungs of mucus jammed full of particles in the respiratory ways. In the uterine tubes, it helps conduct the egg toward the uterus.

Pseudostratified Ciliated Columnar Epithelium

Location

Found in the lining of the trachea and much of the upper respiratory tract. Appears to be stratified because of the varying placement of the nuclei within the layered columnar cells.

Function

This epithelium protects underlying tissues in areas subject to considerable wear and tear. It also secretes mucus and propels it, along with cilia-invading particles, out of the trachea and respiratory tract in the air we exhale.

Functions Of Ciliated Epithelium

The functions of ciliated epithelium are described below-

Mucus Transport

Cilia beat in unison, moving mucus toward the pharynx where it can be swallowed or spat out. In this way, the cilia keep the airways clear.

Protection

The presence of ciliated epithelium affords a physical filtering barrier, thus barring all the ingested pathogens and debris from entering the body and infecting the body's internal environments.

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