Question

6. Why doesn’t Laney have to worry when her 3-year old son Ethan threatens to “hold his breath till he dies”?

7. The trachea has goblet cells that produce mucus. What is the specific protective function of the mucus?

Answer 1

Answer

6)

• Holding of breath, normally does not lead to death.
• Usually a person can hold a breath for upto 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
• After that the person gets unconsious.
• As soon as this occurs, autonomic nervous system is activated and normal breathing is initiated.
• The body is organized to inhale and exhale even in the unconsious state.
• Hence, Laney doesn't have to worry when her 3-year old son Ethan threatens to “hold his breath till he dies”.

7)

• Goblet cells in the trachea secrete airway surface liquid called mucus.
• Mucus traps micoorganisms, foregin materials, chemicals entering the airway and prevent them from entering the lungs.
• Will the help of cilia on epithelial cells, these particles are propelled upward. This process is known as mucociliary clearance.
• These particles are then removed from body by sneezing or coughing.