Dela Cruz, Albert Bryan R.

BSMT - 1 | March 12, 2022

Human Histology (MED 3)

Activity #9
Respiratory and Digestive Systems

 Using the same procedure, do the following activities:

1. Describe the different respiratory epithelium.

 The respiratory epithelium changes as we go deeper the respiratory tree. As we
all know, the respiratory system is divided into two portions, the conducting
portion that, obviously, conducts the air movement, and the respiratory portion
which are the sites for the gas exchange. The majority of the respiratory tree,
starting from the nasal cavity to the bronchi, is lined by ciliated,
pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The bronchioles, on the other hand, are
lined by simple columnar or cuboidal epithelium, and lastly, the alveoli are lined
with thin squamous epithelium which allows for the gas exchange process.

2. What are alveoli? Give their specific function.

 The alveoli, lined with squamous epithelium, are the sites of gas exchange. The
process of respiration happens within the alveoli’s walls. These air sacs are
branched out from the bronchioles, where the terminal bronchioles will
eventually lead out to respiratory bronchioles, then to alveoral ducts, then to
alveolar sacs and the single alveoli. Responsible for the lung’s open, spongy
look, each look has about 150-300 million alveoli.

3. What is surfactant? What cells secret them?

 The lungs have its secretory cells as well. One example are the Type II
pneumocytes, which are the cells responsible for the secretion of surfactant, a
product of lipid-protein secretion. Composed of 90% lipids (DPPC,
phosphatidylglycerol, cholesterol) and 10% proteins (plasma proteins and
surfactant proteins A, B, C, and D,) this secretion is responsible for keeping the
surface tension low. This is essential so that the alveoli will not collapse during
the process of respiration and that the breathing will be easier.
4. Draw and label the histology of trachea.

5. What are the general layers of the alimentary canal?

 Most of the organs in the digestive tract follow a basic structural plan consisting
for several tissue layers. These tissue layers have their specific functions. The
following list describes the said layers, from innermost to outer part.
 The mucosa layer is the innermost tissue layer of alimentary canal. This
layer lines the lumen and consists of epithelium (either simple columnar or
stratified squamous), lamina propria or the loose connective tissue layer,
and muscularis mucosa which is a thin layer of smooth muscle that
improves efficiency in digestion and nutrient absorption.
 The submucosa layer is a thicker layer of loose connective tissue that
contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, a nerve plexus, and mucus-
secreting glands.
 The muscular externa layer is consists of usually two layers of muscle near
the outer surface, the circular muscle layer that regulates the passage of
materials and the longitudinal muscle layer that propels food and residue.
In stomach, there is a presence of third layer, the oblique muscle, which
helps in churning the chyme .
 The serosa layer is the outermost layer composed of a thin layer of areolar
tissue topped by simple squamous mesothelium that helps to reduce
friction from muscle movements.
6. Draw and label the histology of stomach, liver, duodenum, and colon.
A. Stomach

B. Liver

C. Duodenum
D. Colon