Human nasal epithelial cells cultured on a microchip react to air pollutants
Wednesday, September 10, 2014 - 08:50
in Health & Medicine
The upper respiratory tract is the first line of defense against air pollutants, including allergens, bacteria and environmental toxicants. Finger-like protrusions called cilia on the surface of the human mucous membrane, or epithelium, sway back and forth when irritated. This coordinated 'beating' movement of the cilia helps to remove foreign materials and is an important protective mechanism.