10 Reasons Why Mucus Is Our Friend | TAPP 154

Kevin Patton tackles one of A&P’s slimiest subjects: mucus. In this playful but powerful episode, he reveals ten (or eleven) reasons mucus deserves more attention in our teaching. From immunity to fertility, mucus does it all.

00:00 | Introduction

00:45 | Mucus & Mucous

04:27 | Virtual HAPS Conference *

05:41 | Mucus: Body-Wide Protector

10:13 | Gross Episodes *

11:15 | Mucus in Motion

15:46 | Kerry Hull Honored *

16:28 | Mucus & the Human Story

20:42 | Running Concept Lists

21:11 | Mucus is Vital

26:05 | Staying Connected

* Breaks

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“If life hands you a painful irritant, cover it in an iridescent mucus‑like substance until it becomes a pearl.” (Sarah Rosenshine)

 

Mucus & Mucous

3.5 minutes

What’s the difference between mucus and mucous? One is a noun, the other an adjective—but that subtle difference trips up a lot of students. This short segment makes a strong case for calling out that distinction early and often in your A&P course.

 

 

Virtual HAPS Conference

1.0 minute

Need new ideas for your A&P course? This brief segment promotes the upcoming virtual HAPS conference and Kevin’s own flipped-session presentation—packed with audio strategies for teaching.

 

Mucus: Body-Wide Protector

4.5 minutes

Reasons:

• Mechanical Barrier
• Immunological First Responder
• Homeostasis Helper

Mucus forms a body-wide protective network—physically trapping invaders, launching immune responses with secretory IgA and enzymes, and maintaining pH and hydration across exposed epithelial surfaces.

 

Gross Episodes</