mucous membrane

noun

1. a lubricating membrane lining an internal surface or an organ, as the alimentary, respiratory, and genitourinary canals.

mucous membrane

/ ˌmjuːkəʊˈmɛmbrənəs /

noun

1. a mucus-secreting membrane that lines body cavities or passages that are open to the external environment Also calledmucosa

mucous membrane

/ myo̅o̅′kəs /

1. Any of the membranes lining the passages of the body, such as the respiratory and digestive tracts, that open to the outside. Cells in the mucous membranes secrete mucus, which lubricates the membranes and protects against infection.

mucous membrane

1. The membrane that lines passageways and cavities in the body that lead to the outside, such as the mouth, gastrointestinal tract , nose, vagina , and urethra . These membranes are equipped with glands that secrete mucus .

Derived Forms

• mucomembranous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mucous membrane¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

When sprayed into the face of a person or bear, capsaicin inflames the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and lungs, causing temporary loss of sight, nasal congestion, and, in some, difficulty breathing, Rizzo explained.

From Washington Post

Ingestion causes very serious damage to the mucous membranes or other tissues with which contact is made.

From Popular-Science

The best way to balance your desire for bath-time excitement with keeping your skin and mucous membranes safe is to track how different products make you feel—and avoid any that cause irritation.

From Popular-Science

I would like to emphasize that short-range airborne transmission when people are in close contact, meaning inhalation of aerosols, probably is more important than transmission by large droplets that are sprayed onto mucous membranes.

From Washington Post

Unlike mammals, whose mucous membranes are mostly internal, corals wear their mucus on both the inside and the outside.

From Nautilus

Traveling through the bodily fluids of an infected person, Ebola enters through a mucous membrane or break in the skin.

From The Daily Beast

Small fragments of mucous membrane may be found, and when examined by a pathologist, may occasionally establish the diagnosis.

From Project Gutenberg

The damage which they do to the mucous membrane favors bacterial invasion.

From Project Gutenberg

It lives in the large intestine, especially the cecum, with its slender extremity embedded in the mucous membrane.

From Project Gutenberg

Usually, you will find nothing but a swelling of the mucous membrane of the turbinates with free discharge.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence, we must conclude that it is without effect on the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane.

From Project Gutenberg