Mucus: Difference between revisions
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'''Dried nasal mucus''' is partially solidified [[mucus]] from the [[nose]], more commonly known as a ''booger''. Dried nasal mucus forms when the mucus traps dust and other particles in the air. Mucus dries around the particle and hardens, somewhat like a [[pearl]] forming in an [[oyster]]. Since catching foreign particles is one of the main functions of nasal mucus, the presence of dried nasal mucus is a good indicator of a properly functioning nose (as opposed to a "runny nose", which can indicate illness). See also [[Nose-picking]]. |
'''Dried nasal mucus''' is partially solidified [[mucus]] from the [[nose]], more commonly known as a ''booger''. Dried nasal mucus forms when the mucus traps dust and other particles in the air. Mucus dries around the particle and hardens, somewhat like a [[pearl]] forming in an [[oyster]]. Since catching foreign particles is one of the main functions of nasal mucus, the presence of dried nasal mucus is a good indicator of a properly functioning nose (as opposed to a "runny nose", which can indicate illness). See also [[Nose-picking]]. |
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==Booger (Bogey)== |
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'''Booger''' is an [[American English|American]] [[slang]] term for a piece of dried nasal mucus; the [[British English|British]] form is '''bogey'''. '''Snot''' is a similar slang term used for semi dried nasal material. |
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''Booger'' is a word that has scholars baffled as to its [[etymology]]. Since it has always been considered semi-vulgar or at least childish, it has been used in few written sources. Furthermore, in the past the word booger has been used to mean many things, and has often overlapped with the terms ''boogie, bogey'', and ''bugger''. The earliest usage of the word is as an alternate spelling of the vulgarism [[bugger]]. Booger was first said to be slang for "dried mucus" in the [[1892]] ''Dialect Notes''; boogie was said to mean the same thing in the [[1891]] ''Dictionary of American Regional English''. Its appearance in slang dictionaries indicates that it had probably been used for some time in the [[United States]] before the 1890s. Both books said that mainly "school children" used the words. |
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By the middle of the twentieth century, both booger and boogie were commonly being used to mean dried mucus. As late as the [[1970s]], both words seem to have been (relatively) acceptable. Since then, however, booger has apparently become more common in [[US English]]. This may be due to its appearance in legitimate print media: [[Bill Watterson]] claims to be the first cartoonist to use the word booger in a syndicated [[comic strip]], while [[Dave Barry]] has pioneered its use in [[newspaper]] columns, both in the [[1980s]]. In the legendary sitcom [[WKRP]], [[Dr. Johnny Fever]] was fired from another radio station for saying "booger" on the air (under the premise that it was an objectionable word). |
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The hardened mucus that forms in the [[eye]]s during [[sleep]] is sometimes referred to as "eye boogers". (In contrast, in Japanese, it's known as ''mekuso'', or "eye crap".) Alternatively, the person with hardened mucus in their eyes from sleep may be said to have "sleep in their eyes" or "sleepy winks." |
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[[Category:Exocrine system]] |
[[Category:Exocrine system]] |
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Revision as of 05:21, 19 February 2006
Mucus is a slippery secretion of the lining of various membranes in the body (mucous membranes). Mucus aids in the protection of the lungs by trapping foreign particles that enter the nose during normal breathing. Additionally, it prevents tissues from drying out.
Mucus is made by goblet cells in the mucous membranes that cover the surfaces of the membranes. It is made up of mucins and inorganic salts suspended in water.
In the digestive system, mucus is used as a lubricant for materials which must pass over membranes, e.g. food passing down the esophagus. In the respiratory system, it catches unknown matter and tries to prevent it from entering the body, especially in the nose. In the reproductive system, mucus aids the penis in entering the vagina during intercourse.
Mucus is a viscous colloid containing antiseptic enzymes (such as lysozyme) and immunoglobulins.
Increased mucus production in the respiratory tract is a symptom of many common diseases, such as the common cold. The presence of mucus in the nose and throat is normal, but increased quantities can impede comfortable breathing and must be cleared by blowing the nose or expectorating phlegm from the throat. Among the components of nasal mucus are tears.
Dried nasal mucus
Dried nasal mucus is partially solidified mucus from the nose, more commonly known as a booger. Dried nasal mucus forms when the mucus traps dust and other particles in the air. Mucus dries around the particle and hardens, somewhat like a pearl forming in an oyster. Since catching foreign particles is one of the main functions of nasal mucus, the presence of dried nasal mucus is a good indicator of a properly functioning nose (as opposed to a "runny nose", which can indicate illness). See also Nose-picking.