Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cells (Airway Sensors)

Rare cells with a full bottom

Pulmonary neuroendocrine cells live in the lining of the air tubes in your lungs. They are rare. Most of their neighbors are mucus makers and hairy cleaning cells.

They are shaped a bit like a bottle. The bottom of the cell is packed with tiny bubbles full of chemical messages. Some of these cells sit alone. Others gather in small clusters that are linked to nerves.

Checking the air

Scientists think these cells work like little alarms. They can sense when there's not enough oxygen in the air coming in. Then they release their chemical messages.

The messages reach nearby cells and nerves, which can help the lungs respond. They also seem to be important while a baby's lungs are growing. Scientists are still learning everything they do.

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