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Mucus |
Mucus is a slippery aqueous secretion produced by, and covering, mucous membranes. It is typically produced from cells found in MucousGlands, although it may also originate from mixed glands, which contain both serous and mucous cells. It is a viscous colloid containing inorganic Salts, antimicrobial Enzymes (such as lysozymes), immunoglobulins (especially IgA), and glycoproteins such as lactoferrin and mucins, which are produced by goblet cells in the mucous membranes and submucosal glands. Mucus serves to protect Epithelial cells in the linings of the respiratory, digestive, and urogenital systems, and structures in the visual and auditory systems from pathogenic fungi (Fungus), bacteria (Bacterium) and Viruses. Most of the mucus in the body is produced in the gastrointestinal tract.
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