Snot Running Down His Nose Trivia Quiz

Answer: Nasal passages

What we call "snot" colloquially is dried nasal mucus, produced by the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory system (the nasal passages). This mucus serves the function of keeping the passages lubricated; warming inhaled air; and trapping dust, pollen, pollutants, and bacteria so that they can be passed from the body by sneezing.

When the mucus thickens or dries, it often takes the form we refer to as "snot."

Answer: Ear wax

Cerumen performs the same function for the ears as mucus does for the nose. It helps protect and lubricate the skin of the ear canal; as well as acting as a barrier against external agents. Sebaceous glands in the ear canal secrete a substance which forms the cerumen, which migrates from the body through a combination of the movements of the jaw and of hairs in the ear canal.

Answer: It contains dead white (and related) blood cells.

Pus is evidence of the body's efforts to fight infection, and as such contains the remains of white blood cells, the body's principal infection-fighters. When the body is invaded by an infectious agent, either in a wound, a pimple, or in an organ, the blood dispatches white and related cells to the site of the infection.

These cells release infection-fighting chemicals, and many die off. The dead blood cells form the main coloration agent of pus. Pus may at times be green or brown: this is usually due to the presence of bacteria in the infected site.

Answer: Black or red stools can be a sign of cancer in the digestive tract.

Black or red stools are often that color due to the presence of blood somewhere in the digestive tract, and this has historically been viewed as an indication of a serious condition, which could include a peptic ulcer or even cancer. Black stools can also be caused by certain foods, medicines, or supplements. Black or red stools should indicate an immediate, detailed follow-up examination and laboratory testing of the stools to determine their cause more accurately.

Answer: Rheum

During sleep, a combination of mucus, tears, skin cells, and dust can accumulate in the corners of the eyes, nose or mouth. During waking, this accumulation is usually swept away by normal action. During sleep this discharge can stay undisturbed, often drying into a little "pellet" that needs to be removed by a washcloth or cotton swab.

Answer: any of these can be a reason for a smelly navel

Even if you have an "outie," the navel can be a catch-all for dead skin cells, dust, and perspiration, inviting the growth of bacteria or fungus - even a full-blown infection - if the navel is not cleaned effectively. The bacterial or fungal growth can be responsible for the odor.

It is important to keep the navel clean and to follow up with an alcohol rinse if necessary in order to assure cleanliness.

Answer: common cold

Phlegm is the result of the secretions of the mucous membranes in the trachea and lungs. While always present to some degree as it performs functions similar to nasal mucus, phlegm is more related to a disease condition. It can be caused by behavior, such as singing or screaming (as in a crowd at a sporting event); by environmental factors such as pollen, smoke, or air pollution; or by a viral or bacterial agent such as a cold or flu.

In these cases, the phlegm acts to expel the foreign "invaders" as well as to serve as a medium wherein the body's own defenses can fight the infection directly.

Answer: Bile

Bile (or gall) is secreted by the liver and assists in the digestion of fats. It is stored in the gallbladder. When a person has been vomiting for a while, the vomit may appear green or yellowish in color; and is probably the result of the bile accumulating in the stomach. The resulting irritation of the stomach can bring on another spate of vomiting.

Answer: how well-hydrated the person's body is

While such factors as diet and medications may affect the color of a person's urine, causing coloration ranging from green to red, by far the most significant factor influencing the color of urine is the level of fluid in a person's system. The color of the urine of a healthy person can range from completely clear to pale yellow to nearly brown - reflecting how well-hydrated the person is.

While nearly clear urine can indicate over-hydration, urine approaching brown in color could be a sign of serious dehydration. Both color extremes can be warning signs of a dangerous health problem.

Answer: It is a term that only applies to pregnant women.

A cervical mucus plug forms in the cervical canal of a pregnant woman, sealing the cervix, to form a physical and physiological barrier against bacterial intrusion into the uterus during pregnancy. As the pregnancy develops, the plug thins and shifts, and may come out entirely as the cervix begins to dilate prior to labor. Often a slight discharge of blood may accompany the disintegration of the cervical mucus plug.

This is known as the "bloody show" and is quite normal.