By measuring telomeres, some scientists believe they can determine biological age, which doesn't always equal chronological age. That means some people may be biologically older or younger than their age, said Jerry Shay, professor and vice chairman of cell biology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
It is of ectodermal origin and is continuous with the skin at various body openings such as the eyes, ears, nose and mouth, the urethral opening and the anus. Some mucous membranes secrete mucus, a thick protective fluid. The function of the membrane is to stop pathogens and dirt from entering the body and to prevent bodily tissues from becoming dehydrated.
Actual mucus-secreting cells are scattered among other cells of many mucous membranes, particularly in the intestines and the upper part of the respiratory tract. They are known as âgoblet cellsâ because of the shape of the globule of mucus which may be seen under the microscope inside the cells or discharging through a disrupted cell membrane.