Muco-ciliary clearance: A review of modelling techniques

摘要

The airways of the human respiratory system are covered by a protective layer, which is known as airway surface liquid (ASL). This layer consists of two relatively distinct sub-layers; a mucus layer (ML), and a periciliary liquid layer (PCL). In addition, the airways are lined with a dense mat of hair-like structures, called cilia, which beat back and forth in a co-ordinated manner and mainly propel the mucus layer. Such interaction between the cilia and mucus is called 'muco-ciliary clearance' (MCC) which is essential to clear the respiratory airways from the inhaled toxic particles deposited on the mucus. The complex nature of lung clearance mechanisms limit the ability to conduct experiments to investigate micro-scale physiological phenomena. As such, modelling techniques are commonly implemented to investigate the effects of biological parameters on the lung muco-ciliary clearance.