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Clara cells

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Clara cells are specialised cells which populate the epithelium of the respiratory tree from the level of terminal bronchiole to alveolar duct.

They are polyhedral in shape and unlike surrounding epithelial cells, they do not possess cilia. Their cytoplasm is filled with the biosynthetic organelles and their apical cytoplasm stains for a proteinaceous substance.

Clara cells are purported to have a role in:

  • surfactant production; their product is not the same as that produced by the type II pneumocytes, but it may form one constituent of surfactant
  • detoxification; the number of Clara cells increases in response to increased exposure to pollutants e.g. chronic cigarette inhalation

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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