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INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
Author(s) -
Jakowska Sophie
Publication year - 1963
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1963.tb16634.x
Subject(s) - mucus , membrane , polymer science , mucous membrane , chemistry , anatomy , biology , pathology , biochemistry , medicine , ecology
A substance, analogous to vegetable mucilage; from which, however, it differs, by affording subcarbonate of ammonia on distillation. Mucus exudes through the skin, in a state of combination with a peculiar oily matter; and, drying, forms the epidermis. It constitutes, in part, the different epidermeous productions, as the hair, nails, wool, and horn of animals, feathers of birds and scales of fish. It is found at the surface of the mucous membranes, and presents some difference in its composition and properties, according to the particular mucous membrane from which it is obtained. It preserves the membranes moist; and in a state best fitted for the performance of their functions. The French give the term glaire to the thick, stringy mucus, secreted by the mucous membranes, when in a state of disease.” —Definition of mucus from Dunglison, R. 1833. Medical lexicon. A new dictionary of medical science. 1st Edition. Philadelphia. p. 461.