ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on methodologies currently available for evaluating one particular group of cells: those associated with the distal conducting airways and the junction between the conducting airways and the gas exchange area, that is, the centriacinar region. Bronchioles can be defined as more distal intrapulmonary branches of the conducting airway tree. The luminal surface is lined by simple cuboidal epithelium containing a mixture of nonciliated secretory cells, which are not mucous goblet cells, and ciliated cells. The centriacinar region encompasses the junction between the most distal branches of the conducting airways and the proximal portions of the gas exchange area. The result of the intermixing, respiratory bronchioles, have bronchiolar epithelium intermixed with alveoli of several generations in cat, dog, ferret, and primates. Processed specimens relies on the selection of specimens for further study from tissue that has been partially or completely processed for embedment in various media.
