Respiratory System

Question 13 - Single Best Answer

A 12 year old white male presents with a history of wheezing and a cough. He also has diarrhea. Several other family members have had the same symptoms at one time or another. On physical exam, he has wheezing, clubbing of the fingers and toes(this is found in patients who have chronic lung disease), and nasal polyps. Because of his family history, cystic fibrosis is suspected. It is an autosomal recessive disease in which there is thick, copious secretions with increased amount of chloride ion. A sweat test is done. The chloride is 200 mEq/L(normal is <60 mEq/ L). Which structure would help to clear mucous from the airway?

B) cilia

CORRECT!
CORRECT! The beating motion brings mucous up to the pharynx in order to be swallowed.