Question

What are the types of cells present in the alveoli?

• A. pneumocytes
• B. acinocytes
• C. alveocytes
• D. macrophages

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (D)

macrophages

These alveoli have three types of alveolar cells or pneumocytes:

• Type 1 pneumocytes consists of squamous cells. These are the cells across which gas exchange takes place.
• The second types of cells are Type 2 pneumocytes also called septal cells, which produces a phospholipid that acts as a surfactant, reducing surface tension and preventing the alveoli from collapsing.
• The third type of cells are the macrophages which patrol the surface of the alveoli and which are responsible for removing foreign bodies be it bacteria, dust or damaged blood cells.