mucus clearance
The physiological and therapeutic process by which mucus secretions are moved from the lower airways toward the upper airway for expectoration or swallowing.
Full Definition
Mucus clearance encompasses the mucociliary transport mechanism, in which cilia beat synchronously to propel mucus toward the pharynx, as well as airway surface liquid dynamics and cough-assisted mechanisms. In pediatric pulmonology, impaired mucus clearance is central to the pathophysiology of conditions such as primary ciliary dyskinesia and cystic fibrosis, and therapies such as airway clearance techniques (ACT) and hypertonic saline nebulization aim to restore it. Editors must distinguish 'mucus' (noun, the secretion) from 'mucous' (adjective, describing tissue or membranes) and 'mucosal' (relating to mucosa). The phrase 'mucus clearance' is not hyphenated.
Usage
Usage note: 'Mucus' is the noun (the substance); 'mucous' is the adjective (e.g., 'mucous membrane'). 'Mucus clearance' is correct; 'mucous clearance' is a common editorial error.
In Context
- "Hypertonic saline inhalation has been shown to enhance mucus clearance in children with non-CF bronchiectasis." — Systematic review editing
- "The editor changed 'mucous clearance' to 'mucus clearance' throughout the manuscript, noting that 'mucous' should be reserved for adjectival use." — Journal manuscript copy-editing