Study Question Seven

• Q7. Identify and describe the three types of cells found in the alveoli. 
• • Type 1 Alveolar Cells
  • Type 2 Alveolar Cells
  • Alveolar Macrophages
• Type 1 Alveolar Cells

  • Structure: Thin and flat cells, common on the alveolar surface.
  • Function: Facilitate gas exchange. Efficient diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air in alveoli and blood in capillaries.
• Type 2 Alveolar Cells

  • Structure: Cuboidal cells, thicker than Type I cells. Less numerous on alveolar surface.
  • Function: Secretion of pulmonary surfactant to reduce surface tension within alveoli. Prevents alveoli from collapsing. Can divide and differentiate into Type I cells.
• Alveolar Macrophages

  • Structure: Large in size and irregularly shaped cells, move freely within alveolar spaces.
  • Function: Phagocytizing inhaled particles, bacteria, and dead cells. Maintain sterility of alveoli and defend against infections.
• Identify and describe the three types of cells found in the alveoli. 

  There are three types of cells found in the alveoli. Type 1 alveolar cells are thin and flat cells that are common on the alveolar surface, and are responsible for gas exchange with diffusion of oxygen or carbon dioxide in the air in alveoli and blood in the capillaries. Type 2 alveolar cells are cuboidal and thick but less numerous, they primarily secrete pulmonary surfactant reduce surface tension within alveoli. Alveolar macrophages are large and irregularly shaped, responsible for phagocytizing.
• Identify and describe the three types of cells found in the alveoli.

  There are three types of cells found in the alveoli. Type 1 alveolar cells are thin and flat cells that are common on the alveolar surface, and are responsible for gas exchange with diffusion of oxygen or carbon dioxide in the air in alveoli and blood in the capillaries. Type 2 alveolar cells are cuboidal and thick but less numerous, they primarily secrete pulmonary surfactant reduce surface tension within alveoli. Alveolar macrophages are large and irregularly shaped, responsible for phagocytizing.