mucosa
noun
mu·co·sa
myü-ˈkō-zə 
plural mucosae
myü-ˈkō-(ˌ)zē
-ˌzī
or mucosas
: 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 : mucous membrane
Mucus lubricates and protects the gastrointestinal mucosa and helps move the food mass along the digestive tract. —
Sue Rodwell Williams
Sue Rodwell Williams … to maximize the absorptive area of the epithelium, the mucosa of the small intestine is remodeled into an intricate array of finger or leaf-like protrusions, known as villi, which extend into the lumen. —Benjamin D. Simons
Benjamin D. Simons Inhibition of neuraminidase prevents inactivation of influenza virus by respiratory mucus and likely facilitates infection of the airway mucosa. —Frederick G. Hayden et al.
Frederick G. Hayden et al. Examples of mucosa in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Mucositis is inflammation of the mucosa, the mucous membranes that line your mouth and entire gastrointestinal tract, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2026
One 2025 study estimated that volatile organic compounds, a group of chemicals that vaporize quickly, can be absorbed through the vaginal mucosa.
—Jenni Shearston, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2026
In this case, L. mucosae and L. ruminis working together to produce it.
—New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2025
Cancer usually begins in the innermost layer called the mucosa.
—Carrie Madormo, Health, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mucosa
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Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2026
One 2025 study estimated that volatile organic compounds, a group of chemicals that vaporize quickly, can be absorbed through the vaginal mucosa.
—Jenni Shearston, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2026
In this case, L. mucosae and L. ruminis working together to produce it.
—New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2025
Cancer usually begins in the innermost layer called the mucosa.
—Carrie Madormo, Health, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mucosa
Cite this Entry
“Mucosa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mucosa. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mucosa
noun
mu·co·sa
myü-ˈkō-zə
: a membrane 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 : mucous membrane
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