pulmonary mucociliary clearance

pulmonary mucociliary clearance

The removal of inhaled particles, endogenous cellular debris, and excessive secretions from the tracheobronchial tree by the action of the ciliated cells that live in the respiratory tract. The cilia of these cells beat and are therefore able to propel mucus and debris upward and out of the tracheobronchial tree. This action is one of the most important defenses of the respiratory tract.