Types of Defenses
Cilia
The cilia move the mucus toward the pharynx and through the digestive system and is excreted. If that doesn't happen, they push particles back out the nose. They defend the respiratory system from foreign invaders. |
Mucous
Mucous traps particles. It is sticky so it traps the microorganisms. Once the mucous is swallowed, the microorganisms are destroyed by the stomach acid. |
Hairs
Hairs in the nose trap large particles. They filter out dust particles and other particles that try to enter your nose in the air when you inhale. Because of the hairs, particles usually don't get much further than the nose. |
Macrophages
Macrophages ingest particles that make it past all of the other defenses. Then, they destroy the particles so that they can't attack the rest of the body. |