The humidification and filtration functions of the airways.
The mucociliary elevator is a highly evolved organ that humidifies inspired gases and protects the lungs from particulate, chemical, and microbiologic matter. Studies of disorders mucus and ciliary function have improved the understanding of this forgotten organ. The clinical implications of this understanding have yet to be explored.
Shelly
Maire P
MP
Acute Intensive Care Unit, Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road, Manchester, M23 9LT, United Kingdom. m.shelly@nwpgmd.nhs.uk
D002923:Cilia / Q000502:physiology; D002925:Ciliary Motility Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D005374:Filtration; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D009079:Mucociliary Clearance / Q000502:physiology*; D020545:Respiratory Mucosa / Q000502:physiology; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology