Mucus secretion in respiratory tract

Mucus secretion in the respiratory tract is a vital, highly regulated physiological process central to airway defense. Airway secretory epithelial cells, including goblet cells and submucosal gland cells, synthesize and secrete highly glycosylated, gel-forming mucin glycoproteins, primarily MUC5AC and MUC5B[1][5]. These mucins form the viscoelastic mucus layer that traps and enables the removal of inhaled pathogens, particles, and toxins through mucociliary clearance[3][4][5]. The secretion of mucins involves regulated exocytosis, coordinated by SNARE proteins (such as VAMP8, SNAP23), Munc proteins, MARCKS, and cytoskeletal elements, and is tightly controlled by intracellular calcium signaling[1][2][3]. Pathological increases in mucus secretion (hypersecretion) contribute to diseases such as asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis by obstructing airways and impairing clearance[3][4][5].

Other names

Mucin secretionAirway mucin secretionAirway mucus secretionMucus hypersecretion

Mucolytic action (breaking down mucin polymers to reduce viscosity) - Inhibition of secretion (anticholinergics reduce glandular secretion)