Alkaline mucus
Template:Short description Alkaline mucus is a thick fluid produced by animals which confers tissue protection in an acidic environment, such as in the stomach.<ref name="Rheological Properties of Mucus">Template:Cite journal</ref>
PropertiesEdit
Mucus that serves a protective function against acidic environments generally has a high viscosity, though the thickness and viscosity of the mucus layer can vary due to several factors. For example, alkaline mucus in the stomach increases in thickness when the stomach is distended.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> The pH level of the mucus also plays a role in its viscosity, as higher pH levels tend to alter the thickness of the mucus, making it less viscous.<ref name="Rheological Properties of Mucus"/> Because of this, invading agents such as Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes stomach ulcers, can alter the pH of the mucus to make the mucus pliable enough to move through.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Exposure to atmospheric air also tends to increase the pH level of alkaline mucus.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
In humansEdit
In humans, alkaline mucus is present in several organs and provides protection by way of its alkalinity and high viscosity. Alkaline mucus exists in the human eye, stomach, saliva, and cervix.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
In the stomach, alkaline mucus is secreted by gastric glands in the gastric mucosa of the stomach wall.<ref name=":2">"Stomach Histophysiology." World of Anatomy and Physiology, Gale, 2007. Science In ContextTemplate:Vs</ref> Secretion of alkaline mucus is necessary to protect the mucous membrane of the stomach from acids released during digestion.<ref name=":2" /> Ulcers can develop as a result of damage caused to the gastric mucosal barrier.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Duodenal ulcers have been shown to develop in sites that are in direct contact with pepsin and acids.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> To prevent damage and protect the mucus epithelium, alkaline mucus secretions increase in the digestive system when food is being eaten.<ref name=":2" />
In the cervix, alkaline mucus has been shown to possess bactericidal properties to protect the cervix, uterus, peritoneal cavity, and vagina from microbes.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>