What is mucous?

Mucous (or mucus) is slimy, slippery, or sticky moisture produced by mucous glands. 

Amphibians (such as frogs and toads), fish, snails, and slugs produce mucous on their outer skin. The mucous is protection to keep the animal’s skin moist. Mucous also protects them against diseases and germs.

Mucous is also produced inside animals, such as in their stomach, nose, mouth, lungs, and reproductory organs. Mucous helps to keep organs and tissue moist. It also protects an animal’s body against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.  

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM