[Complex function of mucuos membrane of the upper respiratory tract and its possibilities of irritation (author's transl)].

The increase of air pollution problems and occupationally exposed noxious substances require an intensification of research in the field of mucosa of the respiratory tract. Interrelations of structure and function of the mucosa are considered. Open problems including resorption are discussed. Due to the relatively limited range of reactivity of the respiratory mucosa, the continuous functional and defense stress may result in subacute and chronic inflammatory changes. The reasons for this reactivity pattern are elucidated and the various endogenic and exogenic factors and the stages of inflammation are characterized. The protection against infection and the immunological system are discussed in the light of modern scientific findings, showing that the basic functions of the mucosa and the unspecific (congenital) as well as specific (acquired) factors - the immunoglobulins - make necessary further investigations.