Describe the role of goblet cells and ciliated cells in protecting the lungs from pathogens and particles.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 11.1 Gas exchange in humans · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Goblet cells secrete mucus into the respiratory tract.
Mucus traps pathogens and particles, preventing them from reaching the alveoli.
Cilia on ciliated cells beat to waft the mucus upwards towards the throat.
The mucus is swallowed and the pathogens are destroyed in the acidic conditions of the stomach.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terms ‘goblet cells’, ‘mucus’, ‘ciliated cells’, ‘cilia’, ‘alveoli’, ‘acidic stomach’. Show the sequence: secretion → trapping → ciliary transport → swallowing. Keep the answer concise and directly linked to protection.
  • common_mistakes
  • :
  • Mixing up goblet cells with ciliated cells. Failing to mention the acidic stomach as the final defence. Using vague phrases like ‘cleaning’ instead of ‘trapping’ or ‘transporting’.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Goblet cells secrete mucus into the respiratory tract
  2. Mucus traps pathogens and particles, preventing them reaching the alveoli
  3. Cilia on ciliated cells beat / waft the mucus upwards towards the throat
  4. Mucus is swallowed and pathogens are destroyed in the acidic conditions of the stomach

Key terms in this question

goblet cells · ciliated cells · cilia · pathogens

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