PATTERNS OF MORPHOLOGICAL ORGANIZATION OF THE BRONCHOPULMONARY SYSTEM IN CLINICALLY HEALTHY WHITE OUTBRED RATS
Abstract
This article presents the results of a morphological and morphometric study of the bronchopulmonary system in albino outbred laboratory rats maintained under normal physiological conditions. The structural features of the bronchi, alveolar apparatus, vascular bed, and connective tissue elements were examined in three age groups (6, 9, and 12 months). A comprehensive analysis of the bronchial epithelial lining, basement membrane thickness, interalveolar septa, serous membrane, and vascular wall was conducted using modern morphometric methods. It was established that the bronchi and lungs of albino rats normally have a structure typical of mammals, with clearly defined stratification, a developed capillary network, and the absence of signs of inflammatory or degenerative processes. With age, a natural thickening of the epithelial layer, basement membrane and connective tissue structures is observed while maintaining the integrity of the architecture of the lung tissue, which reflects the physiological maturation and morphofunctional stabilization of the respiratory organs.