Question

Smoking destroys the cilia found on many cells of the respiratory epithelium. Formulate a hypothesis as to why this contributes to smoker's cough.

Answer 1

The respiratory system extends from the nose and upper airway to the alveolar surface of the lungs, where gas exchange occurs. Inhaled tobacco smoke moves from the mouth through the upper airway, ultimately reaching the alveoli. As the smoke moves more deeply into the respiratory tract, more soluble gases are adsorbed and particles are deposited in the airways and alveoli. The substantial doses of carcinogens and toxins delivered to these sites place smokers at risk for malignant and nonmalignant diseases

Tobacco smoke irritates tender tissue in the bronchioles and air sacs and damages the lining of the lungs. Elastin is an important protein that enables the lungs to expand and contract when air is breathed in and out. Smoking damages the elastin in the lungs.

Cilia are fingerlike projections that sweep mucus and particles from the lungs, resulting in mucociliary clearance.It is well established that exposure to cigarette smoke leads to airway epithelial mucus cell hyperplasia a loss of cilia , and reduced ciliary beating .

Smoke particles (soot) and gases are trapped in mucous that lines the cells of the respiratory tract. Hair-like projections (cilia) beat to sweep particles out of the lungs. ... Years of smoking eventually destroy cilia completely, and the lungs lose their sweeping effect.