mucous secretion
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A protective secretion produced by mucous membranes: "Mucous secretion" refers to the viscous, slippery fluid secreted by mucous membranes lining various cavities and passages in the body.
- A lubricating and protective substance: It serves to lubricate surfaces, protect epithelial cells, and trap pathogens or particles.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The respiratory tract produces mucous secretion to trap dust and microbes.
- Excessive mucous secretion is a common symptom of a cold or allergy.
- The primary function of gastric mucous secretion is to protect the stomach lining from acid.
Advanced Usage
- "Mucous secretion" in medical contexts: Often discussed in relation to hypersecretion (overproduction) or changes in viscosity.
- Chronic bronchitis is characterized by increased and thickened mucous secretion.
- "Mucous secretion" as a barrier: Describes its role in innate immunity.
- The mucous secretion forms a physical barrier that is difficult for many bacteria to penetrate.
Variants and Related Words
- Mucus (n): The name for the substance itself, often used interchangeably in general contexts, though "mucous secretion" refers more specifically to the act or product of secreting it.
- Mucus is composed of water, glycoproteins, and salts.
- Mucous (adj): Of, relating to, or resembling mucus.
- The mucous membrane was inflamed.
- Mucin (n): The key glycoprotein that gives mucous secretion its viscous, gel-like properties.
- Mucins are the primary macromolecular components of mucous secretion.
Synonyms
- Mucus: The slimy, viscous substance.
- Phlegm: Mucus specifically from the respiratory tract, often expelled by coughing.
- Sputum: A mixture of saliva and mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract.
Related Phrases
- Mucous membrane: The epithelial tissue that secretes mucus.
- The inside of the mouth is lined with a mucous membrane.
- Mucociliary clearance: The process by which cilia move mucous secretion (and trapped debris) out of the airways.
- Smoking can impair mucociliary clearance, leading to mucus buildup.
Related Concepts
- Goblet cell: A specialized epithelial cell that secretes mucin, a major component of mucous secretion.
- Goblet cells are responsible for the production of much of the intestinal mucous secretion.
- Serous secretion: A contrasting, typically thinner and more watery bodily secretion, often produced alongside mucous secretion in glands.
- The salivary glands produce both serous and mucous secretions.
Noun
- protective secretion of the mucus membranes; in the gut it lubricates the passage of food and protects the epithelial cells; in the nose and throat and lungs it can make it difficult for bacteria to penetrate the body through the epithelium