Answer :
The convalescent phase in pertussis is relatively long due to the damage of the cilia on the respiratory tract epithelial cells.
What are cilia?
Microbes and debris are moved up and out of the airways by cilia, which are hair-like projections that line the bronchus in the lungs. Goblet cells, which secrete mucus to protect the bronchus' lining and trap microorganisms, are dispersed among the cilia.
The Latin word cilium, which originally referred to the edge of the eyelid and, much later, the eyelashes, is pluralized into cilia. Fine, hair-like cell projections called cilia have become well-known.
Locomotion and sensory functions are two of the crucial tasks carried out by cilia. They are vital to the cell cycle, replication, and growth of both humans and animals.
To know more about cilia visit:
https://brainly.com/question/15200286
#SPJ1