part of part of brush cell of tracheobronchial tree tuft cell brush cell of bronchus 2010-09-02T02:38:42Z A brush cell found in the epithelium of bronchus. FMA:263226 https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0002208 Brush cells of the bronchus, also known as bronchial brush cells or tuft cells, are specialized epithelial cells found in the respiratory tract, specifically within the bronchi. These are called 'brush cells' due to their distinctive appearance, characterized by their apical surface being enveloped by a dense collection of long, thin, rigid microvilli, often likened to bristles of a brush. Some sources also describe them as having a bottle-like shape, with an enlarged middle section that narrows towards the base. The primary function of brush cells in the respiratory tract is chemosensation. They have the built-in capacity to sense changes in their chemical environments. Brush cells of the bronchi are equipped with a host of sensory receptors, including bitter-taste receptors, which allow them to detect and respond to a wide array of airborne substances. Several studies also indicate the potential roles these cells play in initiating signal transduction pathways that regulate local airway behaviors such as bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion and immune responses. Recent research also suggests that brush cells of the bronchus could potentially play a role in immune surveillance. They might can react to harmful pathogenic invasions in the airway by releasing certain compounds that aid in attracting immune cells to the site of infection. An increase in the number of brush cells has also been reported in certain lung diseases, suggesting a possible involvement in pathological processes. Although the precise role of bronchial brush cells continue to be the subject of ongoing research, they contribute to maintaining the overall integrity and function of the bronchial epithelium. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) bronchial epithelial cell Homo sapiens epithelium of bronchus