{"id":5386,"date":"2008-03-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2008-03-27T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.dev\/?p=5386"},"modified":"2021-09-03T12:16:36","modified_gmt":"2021-09-03T16:16:36","slug":"mucus-mucous-mucosa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.achooallergy.com\/blog\/mucus-mucous-mucosa\/","title":{"rendered":"Mucus vs. Mucous vs. Mucosa"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"mucus<\/center>
\nI often see \u2018mucus\u2019 and \u2018mucous\u2019 used incorrectly and people ask, “What is mucosa?” So I thought I’d try to explain the difference here. (Yes, I’m a geek…)<\/p>\n

Mucus – Noun<\/b> – A viscous, slimy mixture of mucins, water, electrolytes, epithelial cells, and leukocytes that is secreted by glands lining the nasal, esphageal, and other body cavities and serves to primarily protect and lubricate surfaces. Example: Whenever I’m around cats, my nose produces more mucus.<\/p>\n

Mucous – Adjective<\/b> – pertaining to, consisting of, or resembling mucus. Example: During cold, dry months, I often use nasal irrigation systems<\/a>\u00a0to rehydrate the mucous membrane in my nose.<\/p>\n

Mucosa – Noun<\/b> – another term for mucous membrane; a membrane lining all body passages that communicate with the air, such as the respiratory and alimentary tracts, and having cells and associated glands that secrete mucus. The plural is ‘mucosae.’ Example: Pollen makes my nasal mucosa feel itchy.<\/p>\n

(Thanks, dictionary.com<\/a>!)<\/p>\n

Depsite its bad reputation, mucus plays an important role within your immune system. It traps inhaled particles like allergens. However, the production of too much mucus is unpleasant.<\/p>\n

Mucinex<\/a> is an OTC medication that loosens and thins out mucus to relieve nasal and chest congestion.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I often see \u2018mucus\u2019 and \u2018mucous\u2019 used incorrectly and people ask, “What is mucosa?” So I thought I’d try to explain the difference here. (Yes, I’m a geek…) Mucus – Noun – A viscous, slimy mixture of mucins, water, electrolytes,… <\/p>\n