Mucociliary escalator

The mucociliary escalator is a natural defense system in our respiratory tract that helps keep our lungs clean. Tiny hair-like structures called cilia line the airways and move mucus—produced by cells to trap dust, bacteria, and other particles—upward toward the throat. This coordinated movement clears debris from the lungs, allowing us to cough or swallow it away. The system relies on the mucus acting like a sticky trap and the cilia's rhythmic beating to prevent harmful substances from reaching the deeper parts of the lungs, playing a crucial role in maintaining respiratory health.