Mucus
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Mucus is a sticky liquid made in the breathing system and digestive system.
About Mucus
- Mucus is sticky to trap micro-organisms and dust to prevent them entering the lungs.
- Mucus is moved along by the 'cilia' on ciliated epithelial cells which sweep it out of the lungs to move the trapped micro-organisms and dust out of the lungs.
- Mucus should be transparent. If mucus is white, yellow or green it is a sign of an infection.
- Mucus is produced by a specialised cell called a 'goblet cell'.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Mucus is a sticky liquid made in the breathing system and digestive system.
About Mucus
- Mucus is sticky to trap micro-organisms and dust to prevent them entering the lungs.
- Mucus is moved along by the 'cilia' on ciliated epithelial cells which sweep it out of the lungs to move the trapped micro-organisms and dust out of the lungs.
- Mucus should be transparent. If mucus is white, yellow or green it is a sign of an infection.
- Mucus is produced by a specialised cell called a 'goblet cell'.
- Mucus is produced in the stomach to protect the lining of the stomach from the stomach acid.
References
AQA
- Mucus, page 130, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Biology, CGP, AQA
- Mucus, page 136, GCSE Biology, CGP, AQA
- Mucus, page 46, GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Mucus, page 49, GCSE Biology; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
Edexcel
- Mucus, page 112, GCSE Biology, Pearson, Edexcel
- Mucus, page 78, GCSE Combined Science, Pearson Edexcel