mucous membrane

Definition of mucous membrane

: 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 The federal government says all those substances also can cause cancer, as well as other adverse health effects including irritation of the lungs, eyes and mucous membranes, and effects on the nervous system. — Mark Schleifstein, ProPublica, "New EPA Rules Aim to Reduce Toxic Emissions. But Many “Cancer Alley” Chemical Plants Won’t Have to Change.," 14 Nov. 2019 Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or lye, is corrosive to metals and tissue and can irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. — Ryan W. Miller, USA TODAY, "51 children injured in chemical attack at Chinese kindergarten after man sprays caustic soda," 13 Nov. 2019 The bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth), especially if the skin is broken from a cut or scratch. — Fox News, "Bacterial disease sickening dogs in Colorado can spread to humans, vet says," 19 Oct. 2019 Typically, a cold or allergy attack causes mucous membranes in the sinuses to swell and block the tiny openings into the sinuses, which interferes with their ability to drain. — Tammy Worth, Health.com, "Is It a Sinus Infection or a Cold? Here's How to Tell the Difference," 10 Sep. 2019 So far, there is little evidence showing therapeutic effects of either edible or transmucosal, the administration of a drug across a mucous membrane, CBD for pain. — Jenny Wilkerson, chicagotribune.com, "Is CBD a rising star or just a popular fad?," 12 Sep. 2019 The virus gets into the body through breaks in the skin or through mucous membranes, such as those in the eyes, nose, or mouth. — Michael Greshko, National Geographic, "What is the Ebola virus, and can it be stopped?," 9 Apr. 2019 There’s a huge amount of damage to the skin that occurs; alcohol affects any mucous membrane, from the pancreas and liver to the skin. — Vogue, "Why Giving Up Alcohol Could Transform Your Skin," 24 Apr. 2019 Your nose is lined with mucous membranes that constantly trap pathogens and debris. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "Quick Question: Why Do We Sneeze?," 8 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mucous membrane.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

26 Nov 2019

Cite this Entry

“Mucous membrane.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mucous%20membrane. Accessed 25 January 2020.

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More Definitions for mucous membrane

mucous membrane

noun

English Language Learners Definition of mucous membrane

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

See the full definition for mucous membrane in the English Language Learners 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

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