mucous membrane

noun

Definition of mucous membrane

:a membrane rich in mucous glands; specifically :one that lines body passages and cavities which communicate directly or indirectly with the exterior

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First Known Use of mucous membrane

1801

MUCOUS MEMBRANE Defined for English Language Learners

mucous membrane

noun

Definition of mucous membrane for English Language Learners

: a thin, wet layer of skin that is inside some parts of the body (such as the nose and throat) and that produces mucus

Medical Dictionary

mucous membrane

noun

medical Definition of mucous membrane

: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