Question

Give reason for this: Fine hair and mucus are present in the nasal passage.

Answer 1

Reason for Fine Hair and Mucus in the Nasal Passage:
The fine hair and mucus present in the nasal passage serve important protective and filtering functions for the respiratory system. These features help ensure that the air entering the lungs is clean, moist, and free of harmful particles.

Fine Hair (Cilia):
The fine hair inside the nasal passage, known as cilia, act as a filter to trap dust, dirt, and other foreign particles from the air we breathe. As the air is drawn in through the nose, the cilia move in a coordinated manner to push the trapped particles toward the throat, where they can either be swallowed or expelled. This helps to prevent harmful particles from entering the lungs and causing irritation or infection.

Mucus:
The mucus produced in the nasal passages plays a crucial role in keeping the airways moist and trapping additional particles such as bacteria, viruses, and allergens. The mucus helps to filter out and remove unwanted substances before they reach the sensitive areas of the respiratory system. It also prevents the nasal passages from drying out, which could otherwise lead to irritation or infection.

Together, the fine hair (cilia) and mucus form a defense mechanism known as the mucociliary escalator, which works to clean and protect the respiratory system by trapping and removing harmful particles from the air, thus allowing only clean, warm, and moist air to reach the lungs.

In summary, the fine hair and mucus in the nasal passages work together to filter, trap, and remove dust, pathogens, and irritants from the air, thereby protecting the respiratory system from infections and damage.