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What is the function of mucus in both the respiratory and GI tract?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
In the digestive system, mucus is used as a lubricant for materials which must pass over membranes. A layer of mucus along the inner walls of the stomach is vital to protect the cell linings from the highly acidic environment within it.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoThe main function of mucus in the respiratory tract is as a part of the immune-system. The mucus traps incoming pathogens (disease causing agent). The trapped pathogen is then subject to the following processes:
a) Enzymes (i.e. lysozyme) break down the pathogen (i.e. a bacteria). Antibodies (typically IgA) bind to and neutralize the pathogen, og elicit an immune response. The result is typically neutralization of the incoming threat, or initiation of further and more severe immune responses.
b) In the upper parts of the respiratory tract, the mucus is transported by special cells with so-called cilias - cilliac cells. The cilias are extracellular "arms" of the cells, and act by moving the mucus up towards the pharynx, where it is finally swallowed and digested in stomach acid. Stomach acid will neutralize most pathogens trapped in mucus.
c) In the lower part of the lungs, the aforementioned cilia are not present. The cells there are non-ciliac. Instead cells of the immune system are plentiful in this region of the lungs, and here pathogens are digested and removed quickly and efficiently.
The mucus of our lungs is vital for normal function, and like many other abilities of our body we only pay real attention to it once the good system goes bad. In people with pneumonias mucus production is heightened, and we must constantly cough to remove excess mucus. Annoying as this is, it serves a vital function in removing pathogens trapped in the lungs.
In patiens with cystic fibrosis, the lungs secrete an especially thick mucus. This mucus is not easily removed (i.e. towards the mouth by ciliac cells or coughing), and is partly defective in removing pathogens. The result is reoccurring severe pneumonias, each one leaving more scar tissue and decreasing lung function.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThe mucous in the duodenum part of the small intestine is very basic and buffers the acidic chyme they comes out of the stomach thus protecting the duodenal wall.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIt keeps the tract smooth and reduce the friction in lungs, stomach, intestine etc where ever mucous is found.
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Part of the food tube where the GI tract and the respiratory tract cross each other?
The pharynx is common to both the respiratory pathway ( pharynx -> larnyx -> trachea -> pulmonary bronchi ) and the digestive pathway ( pharynx -> esophogus->stomach).
What is the microscopic hairlike projections found in the cells lining most of the respiratory tract called?
Epithelial tissue
What does rsv stand for in rsv virus?
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus, the most frequent cause of serious respiratory tract infections in infants and children younger than 4 years of age. RSV causes nasal stuffiness and discharge, cough, and sometimes ear infections.
Why can you not swallow foods while laughing?
Your body will prevent the food from going into the tube (pharynx) that is shared by both the respiratory tract and the digestive tract. It is more important to keep food out of the lungs. If the food does get that far, you will really cough a lot.
Does the pharynx have both a digestive and respiratory functions?
Yes.The pharynx ,also known as the throat is the tube at the back of the nose and mouth whjich conducts air and food into the trachea and oesophagus respectively.. Thanks... BY: @Sh0ne Siw0n
How can fungi cause respiratory-tract infections?
Once a fungus is inhaled, it will multiply, either in the upper or lower respiratory tracts. As the fungi multiply, it will interfere with breathing, causing an overabundance of mucus. An upper respiratory tract infection includes the common cold and laryngitis. Lower respiratory tract infections are usually more serious and include bronchitis and pneumonia, both of which can be fatal.
How does cystic fibrosis work?
CF is genetically inherited. Both parents must be carriers, and then there is a 25% chance of being born with CF. CF causes over secretion of mucus in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. In the GI tract, too much mucus will impede nutritional absorption. Food will not be available for the body to use for energy and growth. There are enzyme medications which will help break down the mucus and aide in digestion. The extra mucus in the respiratory tract can cause infections, decreased oxygen intake, shortness of breath and a productive cough. There are aerosol medications that can effectively liquefy the mucus on contact.
How Cystic fibrosis works?
CF is genetically inherited. Both parents must be carriers, and then there is a 25% chance of being born with CF. CF causes over secretion of mucus in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. In the GI tract, too much mucus will impede nutritional absorption. Food will not be available for the body to use for energy and growth. There are enzyme medications which will help break down the mucus and aide in digestion. The extra mucus in the respiratory tract can cause infections, decreased oxygen intake, shortness of breath and a productive cough. There are aerosol medications that can effectively liquefy the mucus on contact.
Why are the hairs and mucus in the tining of the nasal cavity important?
The cells lining your respiratory tract are either goblet cells, which secrete mucus, or ciliated cells, which are lined with tiny hairs - cilia. Both types of cell are helpful in preventing dust, dirt and microbes from entering our lungs and harming us. The hairs and mucus trap these particles. We then swallow the mucus when it reaches the back of our nasal tract. Without them, our lungs would be put at great risk, leaving us in mortal danger.why are the hair and mucus along the nasal cavities important
Part of the food tube where the GI tract and the respiratory tract cross each other?
The pharynx is common to both the respiratory pathway ( pharynx -> larnyx -> trachea -> pulmonary bronchi ) and the digestive pathway ( pharynx -> esophogus->stomach).
What does the throat help you with?
Throat is the common pathway for the respiratory and digestive tract. Both cross the tract on the way through throat. It support the ear via Eustachian tube.
What class of agent causes temporary incapacitation of both body tissues and the upper respiratory tract?
Riot control
How do you pronounce pharynx?
Pharynx, pronounced "Fair-inks"is a section in the back of the throat that is both part of the digestive tract and respiratory system.
What is the microscopic hairlike projections found in the cells lining most of the respiratory tract called?
Epithelial tissue
What organs are common to both the respiratory and digestive tract?
Pharynx is the common organ in both systems because it takes food and air.
What is Acute Lower RTI and Pneumonia?
RTI = Respiratory Tract Infection Both terms describe a serious bacterial infection of at least one lung
What is the purpose of the respiratory system and the immune system?
The primary function of the respiratory system is to absorb oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide. The primary function of the immune system is to prevent foreign organisms from invading the body and causing damage.
