Caroline is a chain smoker with a respiratory infection. when caroline coughs, it is often a dry cough with no mucus being expelled. what respiratory structures have been compromised

The respiratory structures that have been compromised are the cilia. These cilia are found on the respiratory tract and resembles microscopic hairs, they beat synchronously in the respiratory tract, moving mucus towards the throat. Motile cilia line the respiratory airways, to help clear mucus and dust.