Micro No. 78
by Professor Silvia Correr - © Corbis. All Rights Reserved. - © Professor Silvia Correr/Science Photo Library/Corbis
Tracheal epithelium: false-colour scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the ciliated epithelium lining the trachea
28 May 1992 --- Tracheal epithelium: false-colour scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the ciliated epithelium lining the trachea, the windpipe. Here, the cilia appear as worm-like threads, hiding the underlying cell surface; interspersed are goblet cells (left, blue) which secrete a viscous mucous. The tracheal epithelium is adapted for cleaning & warming air entering the lungs. The mucous serves to trap particles of dirt, whilst the coherent beat of the cilia propels such matter against the airflow back towards the pharynx to be expelled through the mouth & nose. Magnification: x3840 at 6x7cm size. --- Image by © Professor Silvia Correr/Science Photo Library/Corbis
