Unlike the epithelium of the skin, a pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium appears to have multiple layers, but is actually only comprised of a single sheet of cells. The positioning of the nuclei within the individual columnar cells causes this illusion. These structures, which are easily identifiable with the help of a microscope, are found at various levels, creating a stratified appearance. A microscope also facilitates the observation of the tiny hairlike cilia that line the cells. Found most heavily along the respiratory tract, pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelial cells help trap and transport particles brought in through the nasal passages and lungs. Goblet cells in the trachea secrete mucus, which traps inhaled particulate matter and protects the lining of the trachea. The epithelium alongside these goblet cells have cilia— minute, rythmically beating hairlike processes that sweep the mucus along the respiratory tract.
Unlike the epithelium of the skin, a pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium appears to have multiple layers, but is actually only comprised of a single sheet of cells. The positioning of the nuclei within the individual columnar cells causes this illusion. These structures, which are easily identifiable with the help of a microscope, are found at various levels, creating a stratified appearance. A microscope also facilitates the observation of the tiny hairlike cilia that line the cells. Found most heavily along the respiratory tract, pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelial cells help trap and transport particles brought in through the nasal passages and lungs. Goblet cells in the trachea secrete mucus, which traps inhaled particulate matter and protects the lining of the trachea. The epithelium alongside these goblet cells have cilia— minute, rythmically beating hairlike processes that sweep the mucus along the respiratory tract.