Question

A child with a violent paroxysmal cough has an impeded mucociliary escalator. If it were possible to look at tracheal epithelial cells in this child, you would see something similar to this image (Figure 20.18). The structures attached to the cilia are

Choose one:
A. Streptococcus cells.
B. Staphylococcus cells.
C. Bordetella cells.
D. influenza viral particles.

Answer 1

The tracheal epithelial cells of a child with violent coughing and a compromised mucociliary escalator would likely show Bordetella cells attached to the cilia, disrupting the necessary clearance mechanism and causing whooping cough symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a child with a violent paroxysmal cough has an impeded mucociliary escalator and you look at tracheal epithelial cells, you would likely see Bordetella cells attached to the cilia. Cilia are microscopic extensions of the epithelial cells and play a crucial role in the body's defense by beating rhythmically to move mucus, trapping particles and pathogens, and propelling them away from the lungs. Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough, and it attaches to and damages these ciliated cells, disrupting the mucociliary escalator and causing the characteristic cough.