Heavy smoking destroys pseudostratified ciliated epithelium in the trachea ("windpipe"). Which of these conditions might occur in the trachea if replacement epithelial cells were not ciliated?
A) accumulation of mucus in the trachea
B) accumulation of foreign particles in the trachea
C) increased coughing
D) Both accumulation of foreign particles in the trachea and increased coughing would be expected.
E) All of these would be expected.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pseudostratified ciliated epithelium in the trachea serves to trap and move mucus and foreign particles out of the respiratory tract. If the replacement cells are not ciliated, mucus and foreign particles would accumulate, leading to increased coughing as the body attempts to clear these substances. Therefore, all of the conditions listed would be expected.

Heavy Smoking Destroys Pseudostratified Ciliated Epithelium in the Trachea ("Windpipe")