Difference between revisions of "Mucus"
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(New page: The slippery, viscous, water-based fluid produced by specialized mucous membranes. Mucous membranes line the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive tracts. Mucus contains hydrophilic pro...) |
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| − | + | '''Mucus''' is a slippery, viscous, water-based [[fluid]] produced by specialized mucous [[membrane]]s. Mucous membranes line the [[respiratory]], [[digestive]], and [[reproductive]] tracts. Mucus contains [[hydrophilic]] [[protein]]s, [[immunoglobulin]]s, [[enzyme]]s, and [[shed cell]]s, and serves a variety of functions in different circumstances. For example, mucus in the nose and respiratory tract serves to trap dust and other contaminants before they reach the [[lung]]s; in the gut it lubricates the lining; in the female reproductive tract, [[cervical]] mucus changes its properties during the [[menstrual cycle]] so as to promote or retard the passage of [[sperm]]. | |
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Revision as of 00:58, September 22, 2008
Mucus is a slippery, viscous, water-based fluid produced by specialized mucous membranes. Mucous membranes line the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive tracts. Mucus contains hydrophilic proteins, immunoglobulins, enzymes, and shed cells, and serves a variety of functions in different circumstances. For example, mucus in the nose and respiratory tract serves to trap dust and other contaminants before they reach the lungs; in the gut it lubricates the lining; in the female reproductive tract, cervical mucus changes its properties during the menstrual cycle so as to promote or retard the passage of sperm.