[Physical conditions favouring the trapping of submicron particles in the upper airways (author's transl)].
The present communication is based on the hypothesis that temperature gradients can exist in the upper airways, even in the trachea. Membranes lining these passages remaining physiologically humid, a mechanism of formation and growth of micron sized droplets can take place, exactly similar to the basic mechanism of the counting chamber of cloud condensation nuclei. Therefore through the catching of droplets by vibrating cilia, it can contribute to the protection of the deep respiratory system. A careful investigation of the regions where thermal gradients can occur, should enable to confirm the reality of this process, at least for some respiratory modes.
D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D010316:Particle Size; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; D013696:Temperature
Conditions physiques pouvant favoriser le piégeage des particules submicroniques dans les voies respiratoires supérieures.