Certified Clinical Medical Assistant CCMA Practice Test

Cilia are hair-like structures that extend from the surface of certain cells, particularly in the respiratory tract. They play a crucial role in the movement of mucus and trapped particles out of the airways. When the cilia beat in a coordinated fashion, they help to transport mucus, which traps dust, pathogens, and other particles, towards the throat where it can be swallowed or expelled. This mechanism is vital for maintaining clear air passages and protecting the lungs from infection and irritation. The nucleus is responsible for housing the cell's genetic material and coordinating activities such as growth and reproduction, but it does not directly contribute to the mobilization of mucus. Cytoplasm is the gel-like substance within a cell where organelles reside, but it does not specifically aid in mucus secretion. Ribosomes are the cellular machinery for protein synthesis, and while they are essential for producing proteins that might be found in mucus, they do not facilitate the movement or secretion of mucus itself.