Hörgmirigyek

Hörgmirigyek, or bronchial glands, are submucosal secretory structures of the tracheobronchial tree that produce mucus to protect and humidify the airways. They are located predominantly in the submosa of the trachea and the main bronchi, with their ducts opening onto the airway surface. In humans they are more abundant in larger airways and decrease in smaller bronchi and are largely absent from the bronchioles.

Structure and histology: Hörgmirigyek are tubuloalveolar glands that can be mucous or seromucous in type. Their ducts lead to the airway lumen and release mucus that forms part of the airway surface liquid. The mucus contains mucins, such as MUC5AC and MUC5B, and contributes to the viscoelastic properties essential for mucociliary clearance.

Function: The primary role of these glands is to secrete mucus that moistens the airway and traps inhaled particles, microbes, and debris. The mucus layer is moved toward the pharynx by cilia, helping to remove contaminants from the respiratory tract.

Regulation: Glandular secretion is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, mainly via parasympathetic (cholinergic) stimulation that increases mucus production. Secretagogues and inflammatory mediators can augment secretion, while sympathetic input generally has an inhibitory effect on glandular secretion.

Clinical relevance: In inflammatory airway diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, hörgmirigyek can undergo hypertrophy and hyperplasia, leading to increased mucus production and coughing. In cystic fibrosis, altered ion transport results in thicker mucus that is harder to clear, contributing to infection risk. Smoking and environmental irritants can also promote glandular remodeling and mucus hypersecretion.

See also: Goblet cells; Mucociliary clearance; Cystic fibrosis.