Ever experienced that sudden cough when water goes down the wrong way or felt the discomfort of acid reflux? It’s your windpipe reacting to protect your airways. Laura Seeholzer, a neurophysiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, was surprised by the role of neuroendocrine cells in this process. These cells, found in the larynx and trachea, act as gatekeepers for the airways, preventing harmful substances from causing damage that could affect breathing. Scientists are only now beginning to understand the vital role these cells play in our respiratory system.
Date: 2024-04-18 13:00:00
Original Source: www.sciencenews.org