mucin
Slime's main ingredient
Mucin is a protein that forms the slippery, gel-like substance in mucus.
Mucins line and protect moist surfaces throughout the body—the respiratory tract, digestive system, and eyes.
They trap pathogens and debris while allowing tissues to stay lubricated: The stomach's mucin layer shields it from its own acid.
Thick and slow-flowing
- slimyWet, slippery, unpleasant
- gelatinousViscous and semisolid
- stickyApt to adhere
- hydrogelWater-swollen polymer structure
viscoelastic · hygroscopic · coating · lubricating · stringy · cohesive · slippery · thick
Protein bonded to carbohydrates
- epitheliumTissue covering body surfaces
- secretionSubstance released by glands
- polysaccharidesMulti-unit sugar polymers
- peptideShort amino acid chain
amino acids · carbohydrate · molecular weight · biosynthesis · hydrophilic · macromolecule
Obstruction preventing passage
- defenseProtection against harm
- antimicrobialKills or inhibits germs
- innate immunityInherited pathogen defense system
- antibacterialKills or inhibits germs
antiviral · lubrication · hydration · filtration · infection prevention · microbiome · homeostasis · wound healing
Genetic disorder thickening mucus
- dry eyeInsufficient tear production
- ulcerErosive tissue wound
- inflammationProtective tissue response
- biomarkerMeasurable biological health signal
cancer · overexpression · colorectal · pancreatic cancer · ovarian cancer · COPD · asthma · gastritis
Air passage system
- salivary glandsOrgans producing mouth moisture
- gastricOf the stomach
- cervicalOf the neck
- exocrineSecreting externally via ducts
nasal passages · esophageal · bronchial · colonic · endometrial · sublingual · gallbladder · pancreatic
viscous
Thick and slow-flowing
- slimyWet, slippery, unpleasant
- gelatinousViscous and semisolid
- stickyApt to adhere
hydrogel · viscoelastic · hygroscopic · coating · lubricating · stringy · cohesive · slippery · thick · gooey
glycoprotein
Protein bonded to carbohydrates
- epitheliumTissue covering body surfaces
- secretionSubstance released by glands
- polysaccharidesMulti-unit sugar polymers
peptide · amino acids · carbohydrate · molecular weight · biosynthesis · hydrophilic · macromolecule
barrier
Obstruction preventing passage
- defenseProtection against harm
- antimicrobialKills or inhibits germs
- innate immunityInherited pathogen defense system
antibacterial · antiviral · lubrication · hydration · filtration · infection prevention · microbiome · homeostasis · wound healing
cystic fibrosis
Genetic disorder thickening mucus
- dry eyeInsufficient tear production
- ulcerErosive tissue wound
- inflammationProtective tissue response
biomarker · cancer · overexpression · colorectal · pancreatic cancer · ovarian cancer · COPD · asthma · gastritis · diagnosis
respiratory tract
Air passage system
- salivary glandsOrgans producing mouth moisture
- gastricOf the stomach
- cervicalOf the neck
exocrine · nasal passages · esophageal · bronchial · colonic · endometrial · sublingual · gallbladder · pancreatic
- mucous membranesSlick tissue lining cavities
- mucus plugGelatinous cervical barrier
- mucus membraneSlick tissue lining cavities
- mucosal inflammationIrritation of moist linings
- mucus buildupAccumulated respiratory secretion
- cervical mucusVaginal secretion indicating fertility