HBS204 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Cystic Fibrosis, Electrochemical Gradient, Epithelium
Document Summary
Any microorganisms within the mucous going into the stomach are neutralized by stomach acid and destroyed. As mucous needs to trap particles it is very thick and sticky so if we were trying to move it upward the cilia might end up getting stuck in the mucous so we need something extra. There is a thin layer that sits between the cilia and the mucous which is saline, it is produced by the epithelial cells and acts as a lubricant to assist the cilia in the upward movement. This saline secretion occurs via movement of ions across the epithelial cells, from the basolateral to the apical membrane and the subsequent movement of water by osmosis. On the basolateral surface of the epithelial cell - transporter called an nkcc transporter because it moves one sodium ion, one potassium ion and two chloride ions into the cell.
