Difference Between CSF and Mucus

The key difference between CSF and mucus is that cerebrospinal fluid or CSF is the clear fluid that surrounds and cushions the central nervous system while mucus is the white, stingy and slippery fluid produced by many tissues of our body.

CSF and mucus are two important fluids present in our body. CSF surrounds our central nervous system while protecting the brain and spinal cord from injuries. Many tissues of our body produce mucus and mucus acts as a protective and moisturizing layer to keep critical organs from drying out.

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is CSF
3. What is Mucus
4. Similarities Between CSF and Mucus
5. Side by Side Comparison – CSF vs Mucus in Tabular Form
6. Summary

What is CSF?

Cerebrospinal fluid is the clear fluid that surrounds our central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). There are several functions of CSF. CSF cushions our central nervous system and protects it from injuries. Moreover, CSF delivers nutrients to the central nervous system. It is involved in waste removal as well. Specialized ependymal cells of the ventricles of the brain produce CSF. Every day, ventricles produce about 500 mL CSF. It is absorbed by the bloodstream. The amount of CSF varies among different species.

Figure 01: CSF

CSF can be leaked through a hole in the skull bone or it can be drained from the ear or nose. When the CSF starts to leak, it can cause headaches. It can also cause intracranial hypotension. Meningitis is the most significant risk of leaking cranial CSF. There are several symptoms associated with leaks in CSF. They are headache, vision problems, balance problems, sensitivity to sound and light, hearing problems, nausea, vomiting, and neck stiffness.

What is Mucus?

Mucus is a normal, slippery and stringy fluid substance. Many lining tissues in the body produce mucus. Gastrointestinal tract produces the most mucus. Generally, our body produces about 1 to 1.5 litres mucus per day. Mucus is not noticed unless its production increases due to an illness or any other condition. Mucus production is an essential process since mucus acts as a protective and moisturizing layer to keep critical organs from drying out. Moreover, mucus traps dust, smoke and infectious agents such as bacteria, and fungal spores since it contains antibodies and bacteria-killing enzymes. It contains around 95% of water. It also contains mucin secretions, proteoglycans, lipids, proteins, and DNA in small percentages.

Figure 02: Mucus

Mucus production increases due to respiratory tract infections such as cold, flu, sinusitis, etc. Moreover, allergic reactions and spicy foods also can increase mucus production.

What are the Similarities Between CSF and Mucus?

Both CSF and mucus are two types of fluids present in our body.
Both can be discharged from our nose.
The healthiest types of mucus and CSF are clear fluids.

What is the Difference Between CSF and Mucus?

CSF is the clear fluid that surrounds our central nervous system while mucus is the sticky, slippery and stingy fluid produced by many body tissues. So, this is the key difference between CSF and mucus. Functionally, CSF cushions our brain and spinal cord, it provides nutrients and involves in waste removal as well while mucus acts as a protective and moisturizing layer to keep critical organs from drying out. Thus, this is the functional difference between CSF and mucus. Moreover, CSF leaks occur very rarely while mucus discharges are common.

Below tabulation summarizes the differences between CSF and mucus.

Summary – CSF vs Mucus

CSF and mucus are two body fluids. CSF surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It protects the central nervous system from injuries by acting as a cushion around it. Moreover, it participates in nutrient delivery and waste removal. Mucus, on the other hand, is a sticky, slippery fluid produced by many tissues in our body. Mucus protects and moisturizes the critical organs of the body without allowing them to dry out. Moreover, mucus traps foreign particles such as dust, spores, etc, and provides protection against viruses and bacteria. Both mucus and CSF are clear fluids. Thus, this summarizes the difference between CSF and mucus.

Reference:

1. “Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments.” Cleveland Clinic, Available here.
2. Booth, Stephanie. “What Your Mucus Says About Your Health.” WebMD, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “1317 CFS Circulation” By OpenStax – (CC BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Blausen 0766 RespiratoryEpithelium” By Blausen.com staff (2014); Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014. WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436. – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia