Type I pneumocyte

Type I pneumocytes make up the vast majority of the surface of the lining of the alveoli. As gas exchange between blood and air takes place through them, it is obvious that these are extremely thin cells with a thin oval nucleus, which are even thinner at the edges than the resolving power of a light microscope. At the same time, they are tightly connected to each other by means of zonulae occludentes, thereby isolating the other layers of the alveolus from air. Type I pneumocytes can no longer divide.

Related articles
Other cells lining the alveolus: Articles:
 * Pneumocyte II. type
 * Brush cells
 * Alveolo-capillary membrane
 * Alveolus (histology)