Abstract
Effective clearance of inhaled particles requires mucus production and continuous mucus transport from the lower airways to the oropharynx. Mucus production takes place mainly in the peripheral airways. Mucus transport is achieved by the action of the ciliated cells that cover the inner surface of the airways (mucociliary transport) and by expiratory airflow. The capacity for mucociliary transport is highest in the peripheral airways, whereas the capacity for airflow transport is highest in the central airways. In patients with airways disease, mucociliary transport may be impaired and airflow transport may become the most important mucus transport mechanism.
Footnotes
- Correspondence: Cees P van der Schans PhD PT CE, Hanze University, University for Applied Sciences, PO Box 3109, 9701 DC Groningen, The Netherlands. E-mail: c.p.van.der.schans{at}pl.hanze.nl.
Dr van der Schans presented a version of this paper at the 39th Respiratory Care Journal Conference, “Airway Clearance: Physiology, Pharmacology, Techniques, and Practice,” held April 21–23, 2007, in Cancún, Mexico.
The author reports no conflicts of interest related to the content of this paper.
- Copyright © 2007 by Daedalus Enterprises Inc.
