submucosal gland ciliated duct

A submucosal gland ciliated duct is the terminal portion of an airway submucosal gland duct lined with ciliated epithelium that opens into the respiratory tract lumen.

Located in the submucosa of the trachea and primary bronchi, these ducts traverse the mucosa to deliver mucus secretions into the airway lumen.

The ciliated duct conducts mucus from the submucosal glands to the airway surface where cilia propel the mucus and trapped particles proximally toward the pharynx.

The ciliated duct connects the collecting ducts of submucosal glands to the ciliated respiratory epithelium lining the airway lumen.

Obstruction or infection of these ducts can lead to mucus plugging and airway obstruction, and they are affected in cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchitis.