The lungs contain several specialized cell types, including:
1. Ciliated epithelial cells: Found lining the trachea and bronchi, these cells have cilia that help move mucus and trapped particles out of the lungs. 2. Goblet cells: These mucus-secreting cells are interspersed among the ciliated cells and are responsible for producing mucus to trap debris. 3. Clara cells: Located in the bronchioles, Clara cells secrete surfactant and detoxify harmful substances. 4. Type I pneumocytes: These flattened cells line the alveoli and facilitate gas exchange. 5. Type II pneumocytes: These cuboidal cells produce surfactant, which reduces surface tension in the alveoli and prevents collapse. 6. Alveolar macrophages: These immune cells phagocytose pathogens and debris within the alveoli.
