mucin
[mu´sin] a mucopolysaccharide or glycoprotein that is the chief constituent of mucus.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
mu·cin
(myū'sin), The hydrated form of mucinogen, a secretion containing carbohydrate-rich glycoproteins such as those from the goblet cells of the intestine, the submaxillary glands, and other mucous glandular cells; it is also present in the ground substance of connective tissue, especially mucous connective tissue, is soluble in alkaline water, and is precipitated by acetic acid; mucins lubricate and protect body cavity linings.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
mucin
(myo͞o′sĭn)n. Any of a group of glycoproteins found especially in the secretions of mucous membranes.
mu′cin·ous adj.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
mu·cin
(myū'sin) A secretion containing carbohydrate-rich glycoproteins such as that from the goblet cells of the intestine, the submaxillary glands, and other mucous glandular cells; it is also present in the ground substance of connective tissue.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
mucin
A glycoprotein that is the main constituent of MUCUS. The term is also used as a generic name for the substance used as a drug formulated with xylitol as artificial saliva under the brand name is Saliva Orthana.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
mucin
a MUCOPROTEIN that forms MUCUS when in solution.Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005
Mucin
A protein in saliva that combines with sugars in the mouth to form plaque.
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
mucin
Glycoprotein, rich in carbohydrates, produced by the goblet cells and the subsurface vesicles of the conjunctiva which forms the basis of the mucous layer of the precorneal film. Mucin and the secreted
glycocalyx (which consists of glycoproteins) are adsorbed by the epithelium of the cornea to convert it from a hydrophobic into a wettable hydrophilic surface. A deficiency in the production of mucin leads to an abnormally short precorneal film break-up time and to desiccation of the ocular surface. In addition, the mucous layer prevents microbial invasion of the cornea. In some contact lens wearers (especially of silicone hydrogel lenses) collapsed mucin, as well as lipids and tear proteins, accumulate behind the lens and form small, discrete spheres (called
mucin balls or
mucin plugs). These mucin balls cause neither discomfort nor loss of vision.
See precorneal film;
keratoconjunctivitis sicca;
break-up time test;
xerophthalmia.
Millodot: Dictionary of Optometry and Visual Science, 7th edition. © 2009 Butterworth-Heinemann
mu·cin
(myū'sin) The hydrated form of mucinogen that lubricates and protects body cavity linings.
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012