Introduction

Abstract

The respiratory section of the book contains four chapters, the first of which by Peter Jeffery presents an overview of the structure, putative functions and proliferative potential of the principal cell types comprising the conductive and respiratory epithelia of the mammalian lung. There is also a discussion of submucosal glands and autonomic nerves. A recurrent theme of the chapter is a consideration of the effects of pathological change associated with asthma, carcinoma and, particularly, cystic fibrosis (CF). The basic lesion in CF is described and the subsequent effects on cell structure and function, autonomic control, mucociliary clearance and lung infection are discussed.