Lung Embryology:

  • LRT (lower respiratory tract) arises from laryngotracheal diverticulum.
  • Wk 24 – resp bronchi form, respiration is possible.
  • Wk 29 – type II secrete surfactant (reaches adequate levels 2 wks before birth).
  • Trachea – C-shaped cartilage.
  • Left bronchus longer, narrower, greater angle; bronchi have circum rings of crtlg; pseudostrat colum epi, Goblet, neuosecr, basal, brush cells.
  • Epi à lamina propria à submuc à cartilage.
  • Bronchioles – no cartilage, submucosal glands.
1)  Membranous – smooth muscle wall; ciliated columnar cells + Clara cells.
2)  Respiratory – alveolar ducts, alveoli budding from wals; no musc. wall; cuboidal cells +/- cilia.