Final answer:
Frontal and lateral cilia play a key role in the respiratory system by trapping and sweeping mucus, dust, and pathogens either upwards or downwards towards the throat, where they can be swallowed and neutralized by stomach acid.
Step-by-step explanation:
The frontal and lateral cilia have important roles in moving materials throughout the body. In the respiratory system, cilia line the airways and are responsible for trapping and removing dust, germs, and other foreign particles. This function is crucial for protecting your lungs from irritation and infection. The ciliated epithelial cells of your airway form a mucociliary escalator, which continuously moves mucus, dust, and pathogens trapped within it toward the throat. These materials are typically swallowed and ultimately destroyed by the stomach's acidic environment. In contrast, nasal cilia move the mucus blanket downwards, also towards your throat. The function of these cilia is vital for maintaining respiratory health and preventing the accumulation of potential harmful particles in the lungs.