Mucociliær

Mucociliær, or mucociliary in English, refers to the mucociliary clearance system, a protective mechanism of the conducting airways that removes inhaled particles, pathogens, and debris from the respiratory tract. It relies on the coordinated action of mucus production and ciliary movement to transport material out of the lungs toward the pharynx.

The airway epithelium contains goblet cells and submucosal glands that secrete mucus, forming a gel-like layer on the surface. Beneath this lies the periciliary liquid layer in which the ciliated cells beat rhythmically. The coordinated beating of cilia propels the mucus layer proximally, creating the mucociliary escalator that clears trapped material, which is then swallowed or expelled.

Mucociliary function depends on mucus properties, ciliary beat frequency, hydration of the airway surface, and the integrity of the epithelium. Environmental factors such as smoking and dry air can reduce efficiency, while diseases such as primary ciliary dyskinesia, cystic fibrosis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and chronic bronchitis can alter mucus quantity or viscosity or impair ciliary function.

Impairment leads to mucus stasis, recurrent infections, and inflammation. Diagnostic considerations may include assessments of clearance and imaging as well as evaluation of mucous properties and ciliary function. Treatments aim to improve clearance and hydration: ensuring adequate fluid intake and humidification, airway clearance techniques, and mucolytics such as N-acetylcysteine or hypertonic saline inhalation. In clinical practice, supporting mucociliary function is a central aspect of managing a range of upper and lower airway diseases.