Matching respiratory cell features to functions

Steps:

• Recall alveolar epithelium (J) is thin for gas diffusion; ciliated epithelium (K) has cilia to clear mucus; goblet (L) secretes mucus; smooth muscle (M) contracts airways.
• Assume table row 1 describes contraction (matches M); row 2 describes cilia (matches K); row 3 describes thin walls (matches J).
• Compare choices: C assigns 1 to M, 2 to K, 3 to J, aligning with functions.
• Verify mismatches in other options against cell roles.

Why C is correct:

• Smooth muscle (M) contracts via actin/myosin for airway control; ciliated cells (K) sweep debris; alveolar cells (J) are squamous for efficient O2/CO2 exchange.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Assigns contraction to alveolar (J, incorrect—lacks muscle) and cilia to smooth muscle (M, incorrect—no cilia).
• B: Assigns contraction to ciliated (K, incorrect—non-contractile) and thin walls to goblet (L, incorrect—mucus producers).
• D: Identical to C but listed as separate (likely error; no unique mismatch).

Final answer: C