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. Also called: mucosa. a mucus-secreting membrane that lines body cavities or passages that are open to the external environment

mucous membrane

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.

Other Word Forms

• mucomembranous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mucous membrane¹

First recorded in 1805–15