1.2.1 Mucus Flashcards
What is the role of the lungs?
The lungs allow for rapid gas exchange between the atmosphere and the blood
What is the role of the trachea?
The trachea draws air into the lungs. It divides into to bronchi, which carry the air into the lungs.
What are bronchioles?
In each lung there is a tree-like system of tubes called bronchioles
Where is mucus produced?
Mucus is produced by the goblet cells in the airway lining
How does mucus leave the lungs?
The cillia beat out any mucus that contains impurities
How is the mucus of a sufferer of CF different to that of a normal person?
People with CF have drier mucus, making it sticker and harder to dispose of
What two major effects does sticky mucus have?
- Increases the chance of lung infection; and- Makes gas exchange less efficient
What happens to mucus containing pathogens?
When mucus containing pathogens is moved by the cillia, it is either coughed up or swallowed. The stomach acid kills the pathogens
Where does the mucus of a person with CF build up?
CF sufferers get a build up of mucus in the lungs
