mucous membrane

noun

a lubricating membrane lining an internal surface or an organ, as the alimentary, respiratory, and genitourinary canals.

Origin of mucous membrane

First recorded in 1805–15

Words nearby mucous membrane

mucous, mucous cell, mucous colitis, mucous connective tissue, mucous gland, mucous membrane, mucous plug, mucoviscidosis, mucro, mucronate, mucus

British Dictionary definitions for mucous membrane

mucous membrane

noun

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

Derived forms of mucous membrane

mucomembranous (ˌmjuːkəʊˈmɛmbrənəs), adjective

Medical definitions for mucous membrane

mucous membrane

n.

A membrane lining all body passages that communicate with the exterior, such as the respiratory, genitourinary, and alimentary tracts, and having cells and associated glands that secrete mucus. mucosa

Scientific definitions for mucous membrane

mucous membrane
[ myōō′kəs ]

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.

Cultural definitions for mucous membrane

mucous membrane
[ (myooh-kuhs) ]

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.