Pneumocytes EM
Pneumocytes EM

Pneumocytes EM

Begin by distinguishing the capillaries from the airway. Identify type I pneumocytes lining the lumen of the alveolus and endothelial cells lining the capillary. Type II pneumocytes are considerably larger and more cuboidal than its type I counterparts. Easily visible are its nucleus and some microvilli. The lamellar bodies are distinct features of this cell; these contain the phospholipid precursors to pulmonary surfactant, which will be released into the airway to disrupt the forces of surface tension that would otherwise cause the alveolus to collapse.