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Thick section (alveolar-capillary complex)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

The thick section of the alveolar capillary complex describes the histological features of a small percentage of the surface area of the alveoli where mainly type II pneumocytes are sited. In this region:

the wall of the alveolus is relatively thicker than the thin sections
the epithelial cell maintains its basement membrane
the alveolar wall has a greater abundance of:
- fibroblasts
- mast cells
- elastin fibres
- reticulin fibres

The thick section may function as a potential space for storing exudate from the pulmonary capillaries when there is increased pressure within the pulmonary circulation. By this means, there is a 'buffer' before fluid enters the alveoli and restricts gaseous exchange at the thin portions of the alveolar-capillary complex.

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