Changes

The many cilia present on the surface of the cells of respiratory epithelium, along with the mucus producing goblet cells, are the functional units for the Mucociliary escalator:

The many cilia present on the surface of the cells of respiratory epithelium, along with the mucus producing goblet cells, are the functional units for the Mucociliary escalator:

*Cilia on the respiratory epithelium beat in a co-ordinated manner

*Cilia on the respiratory epithelium beat in a co-ordinated manner

**Cilia beat in a caudal direction in nasal cavity

**Cilia beat in a caudal direction in [[Nasal cavity - Anatomy & Physiology|nasal cavity]]

**Cilia beat in a cranial direction in trachea and lower airways

**Cilia beat in a cranial direction in [[Trachea - Anatomy & Physiology|trachea]] and lower airways

**Mucus is swallowed when it reaches the nasopharynx

**Mucus is swallowed when it reaches the [[Nasal cavity - Anatomy & Physiology|nasopharynx]].

**Constant movement reduces chances that pathogens can adhere to the respiratory epithelium.

**Constant movement reduces chances that pathogens can adhere to the respiratory epithelium.