Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 12, 2025

Characterization of Immune Cells and Proinflammatory Mediators in the Pulmonary Environment
Published on: June 24, 2020
Breathe-Your immune system is counting on it
1Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
Abstract:
Always, but especially in these times of COVID pandemic, we know the dangers of breathing into our lungs a deadly pathogen. Fortunately, healthy lungs are equipped with an innate immune system that works to clear those pathogens. A study in this issue (2021. J. Exp. Med.https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20201831) shows, for the first time, that breathing-induced changes in the pH of the airway surface contribute to bacterial killing, pointing to new therapeutic strategies for maintaining pulmonary health.
Related Concept Videos
Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
However, the ability to hold one's breath voluntarily is not limitless. When the CO2 concentration in the blood reaches a critical...
Overview of Respiratory System
What is the Respiratory System?
The respiratory system consists of a series of organs responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. The primary function of the respiratory system is to...
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Breathing
Factors Affecting Respiration
Mechanism of Breathing I: Inspiration
The respiratory system, an essential network for breathing, comprises the conducting and respiratory zones, each playing a crucial role in the overall process of respiration. Let us explore the detailed mechanism of inspiration, or inhalation, which is the first phase of the respiratory cycle.
Pathway of Air during Inspiration
During inspiration, air enters our body through the nose or mouth and moves through the conducting zone,...

