Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

What role does the mucus in the trachea play in respiratory health?

1. Enhances air temperature

2. Increases oxygen diffusion

3. Traps and removes foreign particles

4. Produces sound during speech

The correct answer is: Traps and removes foreign particles

Mucus in the trachea plays a vital role in maintaining respiratory health by trapping and removing foreign particles. This is essential for protecting the respiratory system from irritants, pathogens, and debris that are inhaled along with air. The mucus acts as a sticky substance that captures dust, pollen, smoke, and microorganisms, preventing them from reaching the lungs where they could cause infections or other complications. Cilia, tiny hair-like structures that line the trachea and other parts of the respiratory tract, work in conjunction with mucus to move these trapped particles upwards toward the throat, where they can be swallowed or expelled. This mucociliary escalator is a key defense mechanism of the respiratory system. The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of mucus in the trachea. While enhancing air temperature could happen as air passes through the respiratory tract, the primary purpose of the mucus is not related to temperature regulation. Increasing oxygen diffusion is primarily associated with the alveoli in the lungs, not the trachea. Lastly, while sound production does happen in the larynx (and not the trachea), it is unrelated to the function of mucus. Thus, the role of mucus as a trap for foreign particles is indeed the