Defence mechanisms of Respiratory tract

Question 1

Name 2 upper airway defences to pathogens?

Answer 1

Mucus in nasopharyngeal airway (physical barrier and absorbs soluble gases)

Phagocytic polymorphonuclear leukocytes (stay in upper airway)

Question 2

Role of the cilia and mucus production?

Answer 2

Goblet cells produce mucus to trap pathogens in airway

cilia move in regular beated rhythm to move the mucus and pathogens out of resp tract

Question 3

Describe 3 roles of innate immune system in respiratory tract?

Answer 3

Mechanical - nasal hair; muscociliary escaltor

chemical - lysozyme, lactoferrin, defensins, surfactant

cellular - pulmonary macrophages

Question 4

3 roles of the adaptive immune response in the respiratory tract?

Answer 4

APCs - dendritic cells
T cells
NK cells - produce Il-4 and IFN gamma