Question

Please explain the Mucus secretion and function in the respiratory and digestive tracts. Goblet cells.

Answer 1

Mucus secretion occurs from the Goblet cells of the respiratory and digestive tract. These globlet cells are unicellular cells that forms the mucus and secrete it under the influence of the parasympathetic stimulation. Mucus lines the digestive and respiratory tract and provides the protection to the lining epithelium against the injury and foreign particles.

Mucus helps to trap the foreign bodies and with the help of ciliary movement in respiratory tract, these are expelled out. In digestive tract, they lines the gastric and intestinal mucosa and prevents the injury to these structures from the acidic environment. Mucus also contains immunoglobulins such as IgA which provides the immunity.