The purpose of the respiratory mucosa is to condition air before it enter the alveoli. Explain...

The purpose of the respiratory mucosa is to condition air before it enter the alveoli. Explain what the term “condition” means.

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Expert Solution

The respiratory mucosa is involved in prevention of invasion of lower respiratory tract, airways and lungs from pathogens. It lines the respiratory tract. It is composed of specialized epithelial cells, goblet cells (columnar epithelial cells) secrete mucus. Other cells are ciliated.

The term condition, indicates warming and moistening of air before it reaches the alveoli. The air is warmed by convection currents by capillaries that are present below the epithelium. This is because cold air will prevent movements of the cilia and leads to accumulation of mucus. Mucus traps the invading pathogens while the cilia will propel mucus across the surface.

The respiratory mucosa moistens the air before it reaches the alveoli. This is required to prevent damage to the delicate structures of the lung. The alveoli have to be kept moist, for proper gas exchange to occur. If the alveoli are not moist, then exchange of gases into the blood will be hindered. Air that enters the respiratory tract is inhaled in gaseous state. Mucus from the respiratory mucosa is rich in water and hence, will moisten the air as it passes over it.

Sydney Mullin answered 1 year ago

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