Airway
The airways are those parts of the respiratory system through which air flows between the external environment and the alveoli.
Protection of the airways
- The epithelial surfaces of the airways contain cilia. Particles such as dust sticks to mucous which is continuously removed from the airways by these cilia. The airway epithelium also secretes a watery fluid upon which the mucous can ride freely. The production of this fluid is impaired by the disease cystic fibrosis.
- Macrophages are present in the airways. These cells protect the airways from infection by engulfing inhaled particles and bacteria.
