What are the small hairs in the respiratory system that help trap particles called?

The small hairs in the respiratory system that help trap particles are known as cilia. Cilia are microscopic, hair-like structures that line the respiratory tract and play a crucial role in the respiratory system's defense mechanism. They move in a coordinated manner to sweep mucus, along with trapped dust, pathogens, and other particles, out of the airways towards the throat, where it can be swallowed or expelled. This action is essential for maintaining clear air passages and preventing infection.

While vibrissae refer to the coarse hairs found in the nostrils that serve a similar protective function by filtering larger particles from the air, cilia are specifically responsible for the movement of mucus and smaller particles within the respiratory tract. Therefore, the correct term that describes the small hairs aiding in trapping and moving particles within the respiratory system is cilia. This sets them apart from bronchioles, which are small air passages in the lungs, and mast cells, which are a type of immune cell involved in allergic responses.