What are the small hairs in the windpipe that help expel asbestos fibers?

The small hairs in the windpipe that help expel asbestos fibers are known as cilia. Cilia are tiny, finger-like projections that line the respiratory tract, including the trachea and bronchi. Their primary function is to move mucus, along with trapped particles and irritants such as asbestos fibers, out of the airways and toward the throat, where it can be swallowed or expelled.

This mechanism is crucial for maintaining respiratory health, as it helps clear harmful substances that may enter the lungs. By effectively moving mucus and debris out of the respiratory system, cilia play a vital role in protecting the lungs from damage and infection.

Microvilli are small, hair-like structures found on the surface of epithelial cells, primarily involved in absorption and secretion, rather than the expulsion of particles. Neurons are specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses and are not involved in the respiratory clearing process. Sweat glands are exocrine glands in the skin that produce sweat and also do not relate to the expulsion of particles from the respiratory system. Therefore, cilia are specifically designed for this protective function in the context of inhalation of materials like asbestos.