What is Mucus?

Mucus is a substance found in the nose, sinuses, nasopharynx, trachea, bronchi, larynx, and in other areas of the body. It plays a vital role in the protection of our health. Together with cilia, the mucous membrane will clean out the nose and sinuses from foreign particles that has entered from breathing.

It lays on top of hair-like structures called cilia. The cilia beats back and forth and moves the mucus out of the sinuses and into the nose. From there, it is moved to the back of the throat for disposal into the stomach. The enzymes and acids in the stomach will destroy any bacteria or viruses that has been caught in the flow of the mucus.

Trapping particles that have entered into the nasal passages and proving a protective coating to the underlying membrane is an important role that it plays. This filtration role is crucial for good health.

This substance is composed of 96 percent water. The remaining compounds consist of proteins, salts, and enzymes. It is clear, slippery and sometimes sticky. It is a fluid that we all produce. Because of the high water content, whenever it begins to dry out, it looses some of its slippery qualities and turns more sticky. This slows the flow and elimination. It is extremely important to our sinuses to keep the mucous membrane flowing.

The Difference Between Mucus and Mucous

It is easy to confuse these two words. They essentially refer to the same thing with minor differences.

Mucus is a word that describes the substance that comes out of your nose when it is runny.

• It is the slippery substance found in our nose and sinuses that lubricate and protect parts of the body.
• The name comes from the word mucin which is the primary molecule component.
• It is the substance that does the actual trapping of foreign particles. The cilia are hair-like filaments that moves all of it to the back of the throat to be swallowed.
• The stomach acids and enzymes break it all down. Foreign particles are destroyed and bacteria and viruses are neutralized. The mucous protein itself is absorbed by the body and reused. This 'recycling' process helps replenish the constant loss from millions of mucus-secreting glands.

Mucous is a word that describes a number of things related to the membrane.

• The word describes the mucous membrane which is a thin sheet filled with glands that secrete mucus. It is a pink, soft, and skin-like. It is found not only in the nose and sinuses but also lines much of the digestive and respiratory tracts.
• The word describes the continuous membrane and the glands and the substance that it secretes.
• The entire membrane can secrete between a pint and a quart per day of the slippery substance. The actual amount may vary in quantity and consistency.
• The cilia are also included which are on the surface of the membrane. These hair-like structures move in a sweeping motion and move the mucus.

Affecting Performance

The mucous membrane in the sinuses is connected to the nose. In order for the drainage to reach the nose, it must pass through a very small opening called the ostia. This narrow duct is very small in size.

Anything that thickens or slows down the mucous flow has the potential of causing problems for the sinuses. The ostia is so small of an opening that blockage can easily occur. When the mucous membrane is not performing as it should, the dark and moist areas inside the nose and sinus cavities provide the ideal breeding ground for the bacteria and viruses to multiply rapidly. This condition can lead to sinusitis.

A few of the variables that have the potential of affecting the performance of the mucous membrane is listed below:

• The release of histamine from mast cells
• trauma
• diseases
• hydration and dehydration
• temperature
• humidity
• chemical irritants
• air pollution
• infections
• hormonal activity
• various medications
• cold days
• a bacterial infection around the nasal passage area may make it a thick and yellow or green substance.
• sinusitis may make it thick and yellow
• nasal allergies may make it a clear and runny substance.

It is not the most pleasant thought to be thinking that you might be swallowing a quart of 'snot' each day. However, mucus plays a vital role in the protection of our health. It lubricates and protects. Its role is extremely important in the elimination of allergens, air pollution, smoke, and a host of other things that we breathe in everyday.

To learn more, the Wikipedia encyclopedia has a good article on mucus.

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