How does mucus in the lungs help us?
1 Answer
Mucus aids in the protection of the lungs by trapping foreign particles that enter them, in particular through the nose, during normal breathing.
Explanation:
Small particles of dust, pollutants, and allergens as well as infectious agents are caught in the viscous nasal or airway mucus and prevented from entering the system. This event along with continual movement of the respiratory mucus layer towards the oropharynx, helps prevent foreign objects from entering the lungs during breathing.
Mucus aids in moisturising the inhaled air and prevents tissues such as the nasal and airway epithelia from drying out. Increased mucus production in the respiratory tract is a symtom of many common illnesses such as common cold and influenza.
Mucus in the respiratory tract is also known as air surface liquid.
