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Fig. 1 | Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics

Fig. 1

From: Alveologenesis: key cellular players and fibroblast growth factor 10 signaling

Fig. 1

Schematic representation of alveologenesis and cell types involved. a During the saccular stage, the lung forms primitive alveoli (saccule) surrounded by collagen fibers, nerves, and blood vessels. b The alveolar saccule in the saccular stage is characterized by the presence of AEC I/II, coating the walls of saccule, surfactant production, expansion of capillary tree, production of collagen, and elastin by fibroblasts. c During the alveolar stage, the lung undergoes subdividing of sacs by a process called “secondary septation” that will give rise to mature alveoli. d Secondary septae starts to appear at the place of elastin deposition, which is produced by alveolar MYF. The septae elongates towards the alveolar sac airspace. Double layer of capillaries become thinner giving rise to a one-layer network for more efficient gas exchange. e AEC I/II alveolar epithelial cell type I/II, BADJ broncho-alveolar duct junction, LIF lipofibroblast, MYF myofibroblast

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