Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract01:31

Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract

5.3K
The lower respiratory tract is anatomically composed of several vital structures, including the larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli, lungs, and pleurae. Each component has a specific function, and all are intricately connected to ensure efficient respiration.
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
5.3K
The Bronchial Tree01:23

The Bronchial Tree

8.3K
The human bronchi and bronchial tree play a crucial role in the respiratory system, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Let's delve into the intricate structure and functions of these respiratory components.
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
8.3K
Larynx01:21

Larynx

6.3K
The human larynx, often referred to as the voice box, is an intricate organ located in the neck. It serves as a pathway for air to enter the lungs during respiration and is an essential component of voice production.
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
6.3K
Exocrine Glands: Unicellular and Multicellular Glands01:29

Exocrine Glands: Unicellular and Multicellular Glands

33.9K
Exocrine glands are classified as unicellular and multicellular. The unicellular glands are scattered single cells, such as goblet cells, found in the mucous membranes of the small and large intestines. On the other hand, multicellular exocrine glands develop as secretory sheets, like the internal lining of the abdomen or chest. Such secretory sheets release their secretions directly into the lumen of these organs. In addition, some multicellular glands have deep-seated secretory units to...
33.9K
Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract01:29

Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract

6.5K
The upper respiratory tract plays a vital role in the respiratory system, comprising several structures that facilitate air intake and prepare air for the lungs. It also serves as the first line of defense against pathogens and particles. This tract includes the nose and nasal cavity, the oral cavity, the paranasal sinuses, and the pharynx, each with specific functions and features.
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract....
6.5K
Trachea01:22

Trachea

6.3K
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a vital part of the human respiratory system. It serves as a passageway for air to travel between the larynx and the bronchi, allowing oxygen to reach the lungs. Let's explore its anatomical features, dimensions, layers of the tracheal wall, associated muscles, and the functions of its parts.
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of...
6.3K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Therapeutic potential of synergistic mucociliary clearance for cystic fibrosis airways by β-adrenergic plus cholinergic agonists.

The Journal of clinical investigation·2026
Same author

Durable reconstitution of sinonasal epithelium by transplant of CFTR gene corrected airway stem cells.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2025
Same author

Calibrating sweat chloride levels to CFTR activity via ETI effects on CF subjects with one or two F508DEL mutations.

Journal of cystic fibrosis : official journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society·2024
Same author

The lysogenic filamentous <i>Pseudomonas</i> bacteriophage phage Pf slows mucociliary transport.

PNAS nexus·2024
Same author

Transgenic ferret models define pulmonary ionocyte diversity and function.

Nature·2023
Same author

Variation in CFTR-dependent 'β-sweating' among healthy adults.

PloS one·2022
Same journal

Long-term potentiation in the brain: A synaptic memory mechanism.

Physiological reviews·2026
Same journal

Catecholamine metabolism revisited: From neurochemistry to integrative physiology and pathophysiology.

Physiological reviews·2026
Same journal

THE ORIGINS AND PROGRESSION OF PYLORIC METAPLASIA FOLLOWING GASTRIC MUCOSAL INJURY.

Physiological reviews·2026
Same journal

AKAP signaling: physiological and pathophysiological roles and opportunities for novel therapeutic concepts.

Physiological reviews·2026
Same journal

Mechanisms of transcranial magnetic brain stimulation.

Physiological reviews·2026
Same journal

Esophageal peristalsis in health and disease: mechanistic insights.

Physiological reviews·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 4, 2026

Determining Ciliary Function and Membrane Impermeability of the Pseudostratified Lung Airway Epithelium
07:40

Determining Ciliary Function and Membrane Impermeability of the Pseudostratified Lung Airway Epithelium

Published on: February 21, 2025

1.4K

Airway Gland Structure and Function.

Jonathan H Widdicombe1, Jeffrey J Wine1

  • 1Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California-Davis, Davis, California; and Department of Psychology and Cystic Fibrosis Research Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, California.

Physiological Reviews
|September 4, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Submucosal glands secrete airway surface liquid (ASL) and mucus, crucial for airway protection and particle clearance. Their altered function is implicated in obstructive lung diseases, notably cystic fibrosis.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Modeling Human Airway Remodeling and Viral Responses Using Isogenic Epithelial, Endothelial, and Immune Cells
06:27

Author Spotlight: Modeling Human Airway Remodeling and Viral Responses Using Isogenic Epithelial, Endothelial, and Immune Cells

Published on: December 6, 2024

2.3K
Isolation of Basal Cells and Submucosal Gland Duct Cells from Mouse Trachea
11:52

Isolation of Basal Cells and Submucosal Gland Duct Cells from Mouse Trachea

Published on: September 14, 2012

15.0K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Apr 4, 2026

Determining Ciliary Function and Membrane Impermeability of the Pseudostratified Lung Airway Epithelium
07:40

Determining Ciliary Function and Membrane Impermeability of the Pseudostratified Lung Airway Epithelium

Published on: February 21, 2025

1.4K
Author Spotlight: Modeling Human Airway Remodeling and Viral Responses Using Isogenic Epithelial, Endothelial, and Immune Cells
06:27

Author Spotlight: Modeling Human Airway Remodeling and Viral Responses Using Isogenic Epithelial, Endothelial, and Immune Cells

Published on: December 6, 2024

2.3K
Isolation of Basal Cells and Submucosal Gland Duct Cells from Mouse Trachea
11:52

Isolation of Basal Cells and Submucosal Gland Duct Cells from Mouse Trachea

Published on: September 14, 2012

15.0K

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Physiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Submucosal glands are vital for airway surface liquid (ASL) production, which protects airway surfaces.
  • Glandular secretions contain mucins, proteins, electrolytes, and water, contributing to airway defense.
  • Gland volume correlates with inhaled particle impaction, and they are more prominent in larger airways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the structure, function, and regulation of airway submucosal glands.
  • To understand the role of submucosal glands in maintaining airway homeostasis and their contribution to disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on airway submucosal gland structure and function.
  • Analysis of the composition and secretion mechanisms of glandular mucus.
  • Investigation of neural and cellular signaling pathways regulating gland secretion.

Main Results:

  • Submucosal glands possess a tubuloacinar structure facilitating mucus production without displacing ciliated cells.
  • Electrolyte secretion (Cl-, HCO3-) by serous cells drives gland fluid production.
  • Gland mucus secretion is largely constitutive, with significant increases triggered by vagal nerve stimulation.
  • Intracellular signaling molecules cAMP and Ca2+ coordinate secretion, with cholinergic pathways primarily mediating transient responses.

Conclusions:

  • Submucosal glands play a critical role in airway defense through ASL and mucus production.
  • Dysfunctional submucosal glands are central to the pathology of obstructive lung diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis.
  • Understanding gland regulation offers potential therapeutic targets for respiratory diseases.