Question
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Respiratory System Functions Unit Test
5 of 95 of 9 Items
Question
Select the answer below that best describes how the lungs are kept free of germs and dirt from the air.
Respiratory System Functions Unit Test
5 of 95 of 9 Items
Question
Select the answer below that best describes how the lungs are kept free of germs and dirt from the air.
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
The lungs are kept free of germs and dirt from the air through a combination of several mechanisms:
1. **Mucociliary Escalator**: The lining of the respiratory tract contains mucus that traps dust, germs, and other particles. Tiny hair-like structures called cilia move in a coordinated fashion to push the mucus upwards toward the throat, where it can be swallowed or expelled.
2. **Coughing and Sneezing**: These reflex actions help to expel irritants and particles from the airways, reducing the likelihood of infection and keeping the lungs clear.
3. **Alveolar Macrophages**: These immune cells reside in the lungs and can engulf and destroy pathogens that have reached the alveoli, the tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs.
4. **Air Filtration**: The nasal passages and bronchial tubes help filter and warm the incoming air, further reducing the chances of harmful particles entering the lungs.
These combined features enhance the lungs' ability to remain clear and functional, protecting the respiratory system from infection and irritation.
1. **Mucociliary Escalator**: The lining of the respiratory tract contains mucus that traps dust, germs, and other particles. Tiny hair-like structures called cilia move in a coordinated fashion to push the mucus upwards toward the throat, where it can be swallowed or expelled.
2. **Coughing and Sneezing**: These reflex actions help to expel irritants and particles from the airways, reducing the likelihood of infection and keeping the lungs clear.
3. **Alveolar Macrophages**: These immune cells reside in the lungs and can engulf and destroy pathogens that have reached the alveoli, the tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs.
4. **Air Filtration**: The nasal passages and bronchial tubes help filter and warm the incoming air, further reducing the chances of harmful particles entering the lungs.
These combined features enhance the lungs' ability to remain clear and functional, protecting the respiratory system from infection and irritation.
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