The role of the periciliary fluid in mucociliary flows: Flow velocity profiles in frog palate mucus

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Winet, H.

Affiliations: Orthopaedic Hospital and Dept. of Orthopaedics, Univ. of Southern California and Div. of Engr. and Appl. Science, California Institute of Technology, USA

Note: [] Accepted by: Editor P. Verdugo

Abstract: Observations of flow velocity profiles over frog mucociliated palate are used to estimate viscosity, shear rate and shear stress in the periciliary flow field. The ability of cilia to generate significant shear stress at long distances and their utility as rheometers are examined. It is proposed that the depth of significant ciliary shear penetration into the periciliary fluid is sufficient to move mucus masses well beyond the ciliary tips, obviating the need for tip penetration where anchoring phenomena are sufficiently reduced.

Keywords: mucociliary transport, periciliary fluid, frog palate, mucus viscosity, mucus flow, velocity profiles

DOI: 10.3233/BIR-1987-24616

Journal: Biorheology, vol. 24, no. 6, pp. 635-642, 1987