What is the role of mucus?

• Mucus is a mixture of:

  • H2O
  • Ions
  • Proteins
  • Sugar coated molecules - mucins
• Mucus is produced by:

  • Goblet cells in the walls of the airways of the lungs
• Mucus traps:

  • Dust
  • Debris
  • Microorganisms

  Cilia beat in a wave like motion to move mucus to back of mouth cavity,

  Coughed or swallowed
• In CF mucus is sticky so:

  • Cilia cant move it
  • Airway gets blocked
  • Narrow lumen of bronchi and bronchioles
  • Less O2 reaches the alveoli
  • Reduces conc gradient across alveoli
  • Reduces gas exchange