Nasal mucosa and mucus

The nasal mucosa and its overlying mucus layer constitute the primary physical and chemical barrier of the upper respiratory tract [1]. This system is composed of a specialized pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium and a viscoelastic secretion primarily made of water, ions, and gel-forming mucins such as MUC5AC and MUC5B [2]. Its principal biological functions include humidifying and warming inhaled air, filtering particulate matter, and providing a first line of immune defense through mucociliary clearance [1, 3]. In various pathological conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and cystic fibrosis, the mucus becomes hyperviscous or overproduced, leading to impaired clearance and increased susceptibility to infections [2]. While not a single molecular target, the nasal mucosal surface is a critical site for the administration of local and systemic drugs, where the mucus layer acts as a significant barrier to drug absorption [3]. Therapeutic interventions often focus on modulating mucus rheology or enhancing epithelial permeability to improve clinical outcomes in respiratory diseases [2, 3].

Other names

Nasal liningSchneiderian membraneNasal mucus layerRespiratory mucosa

Mucolysis via disulfide bond reduction, osmotic hydration of the sol layer, and modulation of epithelial permeability [1, 2, 3].