Question:medium

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

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Function of Nasal Hair and Mucus:
Nasal hair and mucus are vital for respiratory system protection and filtration. They ensure inhaled air is clean, moist, and free of harmful particles.

Nasal Hair (Cilia):
These fine hairs, called cilia, trap airborne dust, dirt, and foreign particles. Their coordinated movement propels trapped substances towards the throat for swallowing or expulsion, preventing lung irritation or infection.

Mucus:
Produced mucus keeps airways moist and traps additional particles like bacteria, viruses, and allergens. It filters and removes unwanted substances before they reach sensitive respiratory areas, preventing nasal passage dryness, irritation, or infection.

The combined action of cilia and mucus creates the mucociliary escalator, a defense system that cleans and protects the respiratory tract by removing airborne contaminants, ensuring only clean, warm, moist air reaches the lungs.

In essence, nasal hair and mucus collaborate to filter, trap, and eliminate dust, pathogens, and irritants, safeguarding the respiratory system from infection and injury.
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