Final answer:
Lysozymes in the respiratory tract are enzymes that destroy bacteria by digesting their cell walls. They are found in saliva, mucus, and the lower respiratory tract. Lysozymes, along with other barrier mechanisms, help protect the respiratory tract from pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lysozymes in the respiratory tract are enzymes that destroy bacteria by digesting their cell walls. They are part of the body's immune response to protect against pathogens that enter the respiratory system. Lysozymes are found in various parts of the respiratory tract, including saliva, mucus, and the lower respiratory tract.
In the upper respiratory tract, lysozymes are present in saliva, which acts as a barrier against bacteria. The acidic environment of the stomach and the mucus layer in the respiratory tract also trap microbes and facilitate their removal. Ciliated epithelial cells in the upper respiratory tract move potentially contaminated mucus to the mouth, where it is swallowed and destroyed by the acidic stomach environment. These multiple barrier mechanisms work together to protect the respiratory tract.
Summary: Lysozymes in the respiratory tract are enzymes that destroy bacteria by digesting their cell walls. They are found in saliva, mucus, and the lower respiratory tract. Lysozymes, along with other barrier mechanisms, help protect the respiratory tract from pathogens.