mucus

Introduction

The clear viscid secretion of mucous membranes.

Function

• nasal mucus in combination with ciliary movement constitutes part of the innate defense the airways (mucociliary clearance)

Constituents

• water
• electrolytes (inorganic salts)
• mucin glycoproteins & other smaller proteins
• lipids,
• epithelial cells
• leukocytes

Expression

• in the GI tract, mucus is secreted by goblet cells

Pathology

• allergic rhinitis & rhinosinusitis may alter nasal mucus manifested in part by reduced ferning (fern formation)

Laboratory

• phase-contrast microscopy (image)*

* evaporation of water can lead to crystallization of the electrolytes, & fern formation (image)

More general terms

• body fluid

Additional terms

• mucin
• mucoid
• mucous membrane