Ripsmepiteeli

Ripsmepiteeli is a Finnish term referring to epithelia that bear motile cilia on their apical surface. It is not a single histological subtype but a functional category of ciliated epithelia, typically pseudostratified or simple columnar in organization. The best-known examples are the mucosal linings of the conducting airways (nasal cavity, trachea, bronchi) and the lining of the fallopian tubes, where multiciliated cells coordinate ciliary beating to move mucus or the ovum, respectively. Other ciliated epithelia include the ependymal lining of the brain’s ventricles and parts of the male reproductive tract.

Structure and cellular composition: Ciliated cells possess motile cilia with a characteristic 9+2 axonemal arrangement. Goblet cells often accompany them, producing mucus that traps particles. Tight junctions maintain epithelial integrity, while the ciliary beat facilitates directional movement of mucus or gametes.

Function: The primary role of ripsmepiteeli is to enable mucociliary clearance, removing inhaled particles, pathogens, and debris from the airways. In the fallopian tubes, cilia help transport the ovum toward the uterus, contributing to fertility.

Clinical relevance: Impaired ciliary motility causes ciliopathies such as primary ciliary dyskinesia (Kartagener syndrome), leading to recurrent respiratory infections and, in some cases, situs inversus. External factors like smoking can diminish ciliary function and mucociliary clearance.

See also: cilia, mucociliary clearance, ciliopathy, epithelial tissue, pseudostratified epithelium.