mucous membrane

noun

: a membrane rich in mucous glands

specifically : one that lines body cavities and passages (as of the gastrointestinal or respiratory tract) which communicate directly or indirectly with the outside of the body : mucosa

Pruritus and congestion involving mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth are frequently observed, and swelling of the lips or tongue may impair swallowing and ventilation.

—Bruce S. Bochner et al.

Examples of mucous membrane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chemotherapy Chemotherapy treatments can damage the mucous membranes that line your gastrointestinal tract and cause rectal discharge. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2024

Advisers to the Food and Drug Administration met this month to discuss new, more durable vaccines, including nasal vaccines that could boost immunity through mucous membranes. —Adriel Bettelheim, Axios, 30 Sep. 2024

People with darker skin tones may have mucous membranes that appear gray or blue. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 26 Sep. 2024

Individuals who live in dry climates may have drier mucous membranes than those in humid ones. —Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1771, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

mucous membrane

noun

: a membrane rich in mucous glands

especially : one lining body passages and cavities (as of the nose or lungs) which connect directly or indirectly with the outside

Medical Definition

mucous membrane

noun

: a moist membranous layer rich in mucous glands that lines body passages and cavities (as of the digestive, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts) which connect directly or indirectly with the exterior, that functions in protection, support, nutrient absorption, and secretion of mucus, enzymes, and salts, and that is composed of epithelium supported below by the lamina propria and sometimes by the muscularis mucosae

called also mucosa

compare serous membrane