Smoking paralyzes the cilia lining the respiratory system. This damages the lungs because

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The cilia lining the respiratory system play a crucial role in sweeping out bacteria and particles before they can damage the walls of the alveoli (the tiny air sacs in the lungs). When these cilia are paralyzed by smoking, the respiratory system becomes less efficient at removing harmful substances, leading to damage to the lungs. Choice A is incorrect because while the mucus produced by the cilia does help to cover the alveoli, its primary function is to trap particles and bacteria, not to facilitate gas exchange. Choice C is incorrect because the cilia do not play a role in preventing backflow from the heart into the lungs, and choice D is incorrect because while the alveoli are the gas exchange structures of the lungs, the cilia are not directly involved in this process.

Smoking Paralyzes the Cilia Lining the Respiratory System