Question

Which alveolar cells engulf foreign particles and pathogens inhaled into the lungs?

-alveolar type I cells
- goblet cells
- alveolar macrophages
- alveolar type II cells

Answer 1

Alveolar macrophages are the immune system cells in the alveoli responsible for engulfing foreign particles and pathogens inhaled into the lungs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The alveolar cells that are responsible for engulfing foreign particles and pathogens inhaled into the lungs are the alveolar macrophages. These are phagocytic cells that are part of the immune system and patrol the alveolar walls to remove debris and pathogens. Differences among the cells in the alveoli include type I alveolar cells, which are squamous epithelial cells that make up about 97 percent of the alveolar surface area and are highly permeable to gases. Type II alveolar cells are another type found interspersed among type I cells, secreting pulmonary surfactant that helps reduce the surface tension of the alveoli.