How does mucus protect your body from diseases?
Mucus plays a vital role in protecting the body from diseases caused by pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. It acts as a physical barrier, trapping pathogens and preventing them from reaching and infecting the underlying tissues. Here are some specific ways in which mucus provides protection:
1. Trapping and Entrapment: Mucus is a thick and sticky substance that traps and entangles pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, on its surface. This prevents the pathogens from freely moving and spreading within the body.
2. Immobilisation: The viscosity of mucus restricts the movement of pathogens, making it difficult for them to penetrate or invade the tissues underneath.
3. Expulsion: Mucus is often moved and expelled from the body through various mechanisms, such as coughing, sneezing, and swallowing. This process helps to clear out trapped pathogens and prevents them from causing infections.
4. Antibody Binding: Mucus contains immunoglobulins (antibodies) that can recognise and bind to specific pathogens. When antibodies bind to pathogens, it marks them for destruction by immune cells.
5. Antimicrobial Substances: Mucus can contain antimicrobial substances, such as defensins and lysozymes, which can directly kill or inactivate pathogens. These substances disrupt the cell walls or membranes of pathogens, leading to their destruction.
6. pH Regulation: The pH of mucus can be slightly acidic, which creates an unfavourable environment for the growth and survival of many pathogens. This acidity helps to inhibit the replication and spread of pathogens within the mucus.
7. Nutrient Competition: Mucus can also act as a nutrient source for beneficial bacteria that live in the body (commensal bacteria). These bacteria utilise nutrients that would otherwise be available to pathogens, thus limiting the growth and survival of harmful microorganisms.
Overall, mucus serves as a crucial defence mechanism by physically blocking pathogens, secreting antimicrobial substances, trapping foreign particles, and facilitating their removal from the body. By maintaining the integrity and function of mucus membranes, the body can prevent the entry and establishment of various infectious diseases.