Mucosal membranes
Mucosal Membranes
Mucosal Membranes (pronunciation: myoo-koh-suhl mem-brayns) are a type of epithelial tissue that lines various cavities in the body and covers the surface of internal organs. They consist of an epithelium layer, an underlying connective tissue layer, and a small amount of smooth muscle.
Etymology
The term "mucosal" is derived from the Latin word "mucus," which means "slime, mold, snot." This is a reference to the slimy secretion that mucosal membranes produce. The term "membrane" comes from the Latin word "membrana," which means "skin, parchment (skin prepared for writing)."
Function
Mucosal membranes serve several important functions in the body. They act as a barrier to protect the body from pathogens, they absorb nutrients from food in the digestive system, and they secrete mucus to lubricate and protect the tissues they cover.
Types of Mucosal Membranes
There are several types of mucosal membranes in the body, including:
- Nasal Mucosa: This lines the inside of the nose and is responsible for warming and humidifying inhaled air, trapping and removing particles and pathogens, and detecting smells.
- Oral Mucosa: This lines the inside of the mouth and plays a role in the initial stages of digestion, protection against pathogens, and the sensation of taste.
- Gastric Mucosa: This lines the stomach and is responsible for producing stomach acid and digestive enzymes.
- Intestinal Mucosa: This lines the intestines and is involved in the absorption of nutrients from food.
Related Terms
- Mucus: A slimy substance produced by mucosal membranes that protects and lubricates these tissues.
- Epithelium: A type of tissue that lines the surfaces of the body, including mucosal membranes.
- Connective Tissue: A type of tissue that supports, binds, or separates other tissues or organs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mucosal membranes
- Wikipedia's article - Mucosal membranes
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