Mucous Elements in the Airways

Abstract

Based on studies of the mucosa in foetuses, infants, children and adults, using whole-mount methods, the mucous-gland and goblet-cell density in the nose, rhinopharynx, pharynx, hypopharynx and trachea is described. Glandular density was highest in the nose, lowest in the trachea, where the glands are considerably larger than in the nose. The nasal, pharyngeal and hypopharyn-geal glands contain more serous elements than do the tracheal ones. The goblet-cell density is greatest in the lateral wall and the roof of the rhinopharynx, smallest in the anterior part of the nose. In acute and chronic tracheal disease, and on constant exposure to dust, the goblet-cell density is increased.