Knowra Mucous membrane Mucous membrane A moist epithelial lining that covers body surfaces opening to the exterior and lines internal passages. It typically contains mucus-secreting cells and helps protect underlying tissues.
Epithelium : A sheet of closely packed cells that covers body surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands. Mucous membranes are epithelial linings supported by underlying connective tissue.
Mucociliary clearance : The movement of mucus and trapped material toward the throat by coordinated ciliary beating. In airways, this process continually removes material caught on the membrane.
Respiratory mucosa : The specialized mucous membrane lining most of the respiratory tract. Its mucus and cilia help filter and clear inhaled particles.
Serous membrane : A thin membrane that lines closed body cavities and covers organs, secreting lubricating serous fluid. Unlike mucosa, it lines closed cavities rather than passages communicating with the exterior.
Goblet cell : A mucus-secreting epithelial cell found in several linings, including the respiratory and intestinal tracts. Goblet cells supply mucus directly to many mucous membrane surfaces.
Cilia : Hairlike cell-surface structures that move fluid or particles through coordinated beating. Cilia propel airway mucus across the mucosal surface.
Gastrointestinal mucosa : The inner lining of the digestive tract, specialized for secretion, absorption, and defense. It shows how mucosa can absorb nutrients while protecting against digestive contents.
Cutaneous membrane : The skin, a dry, keratinized covering that protects the body's external surface. Skin covers the body's exterior, whereas mucosa lines openings and internal passages.
Mucus : A slippery secretion composed chiefly of water, mucins, salts, and other substances. This secretion coats the membrane and traps particles while limiting tissue abrasion.
Mucosal barrier : The physical, chemical, and immune defenses that separate mucosal tissues from external contents. The membrane's protection depends on more than its epithelial sheet alone.
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