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How mucus keeps us healthy - Katharina Ribbeck

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TEDEd Animation

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Your body produces more than a liter of mucus every day, and when you’re sick, it can be hard to miss. But what exactly is mucus? And what does it do, besides making you miserable? Katharina Ribbeck reveals the mysteries of this transparent, shape-shifting layer that moistens and lubricates the vulnerable parts of our body while rendering us invisible to potentially deadly microbes.

Additional Resources for you to Explore

The mere thought of mucus might make you cringe, but in reality, it is necessary for your health and protection. Read, “The Truth About Mucus,” for even more information about how essential it really is! Then, take a look at, “Everything You Ever Wondered About Mucus and Phlegm.”

At times are you alarmed by the color of your mucus? Wonder why mucus changes color and what it might mean? Take a look at a lovely infographic on the color of snot! Cleveland Clinic has just what you are looking for right here.

Ever wonder where all that mucus comes from when you have a cold? Visit Discovery News and read this article. Still feel overwhelmed with questions about massive mucus when you get a cold? The BBC provides more insight into the question that you may have been wondering about for years. Read this article: “Where does all the snot come from?” Now, watch this video for a visual answer to this question!

If this is “snot” enough information for you, check out how The Naked Scientist’s weigh in on the topic of mucus with this article,” What Do Snot and Wasabi Have in Common?”

Finally, MIT explains how mucus benefits your health with the video, ”Why Do We Have Snot?”

Wondering about all those microbes in your body? The TED Ed lesson, “You are your microbes.” might provide some answers!

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Katharina Ribbeck
  • Director Anton Bogaty
  • Sound Designer Stephen LaRosa
  • Collaborator Jacob S. Witten, Erica S. Frenkel, Wesley Chen, Tahoura S. Samad
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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