part of part of has part has characteristic columnar/cuboidal epithelial cell multiciliated columnar cell of tracheobronchial tree bronchial epithelial cell multiciliated epithelial cell of the bronchus 2010-09-20T02:21:12Z A multi-ciliated epithelial cell located in the bronchus epithelium, characterized by a columnar shape and motile cilia on its apical surface. https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0002332 ciliated epithelial cell of the bronchus The ciliated cell of the bronchus is a specialized type of epitheliali cell found in the lining of the bronchus, which is part of the tracheobronchial tree. These cells are characterized by the presence of hair-like structures called cilia on their surface. The primary function of these cilia is the active transport of mucus and trapped particles out of the respiratory tract. Ciliated cells of the bronchus form a crucial part of the body's innate defensive mechanism: They function as a barrier and play a key role in the mucociliary clearance mechanism - the coordinated, wave-like movement of the cilia that sweeps pathogens and particles trapped within the mucus in the airways, upward and out of the lungs, either to be swallowed or expelled by coughing. By doing so, these cells are crucial for preventing the lodging of pathogens deep in the lungs and hence reduce the risk of respiratory infections. In conditions affecting the respiratory tract, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, the normal functioning of the ciliated cells may be compromised. For instance, the cilia may become impaired or destroyed due to exposure to harmful substances such as cigarette smoke, which can hinder the process of mucus removal, leading to a build-up of mucus and increased susceptibility to infection. (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.) motile cilium multiciliated epithelium of bronchus